Indian cricket witnessed a historic moment during the 4th Test match against England in Manchester, as Anshul Kamboj etched his name into the record books. Making his Test debut, the 24-year-old fast bowler from Haryana became the first Indian cricketer since the legendary Anil Kumble to replicate a rare feat — taking a 10-wicket haul in first-class cricket prior to making his Test debut.
As India battled to level the series with England leading 2-1, Kamboj’s selection and performance instantly stood out, marking a turning point not only in the match but potentially in India’s pace bowling future.
Dream Debut for Anshul Kamboj
It was a dream debut on July 23, 2025, for Anshul Kamboj, a name well-known in the domestic cricketing circuit, but now introduced to the world on one of cricket’s biggest stages — a Test match in Manchester, the same venue where Anil Kumble made his own Test debut in 1990.
The parallels between the two are striking. Both bowlers walked into red-ball cricket with incredible domestic form, and both had 10-wicket hauls in first-class cricket to their name before making their international red-ball debuts.
Special H2: Anshul Kamboj Equals Kumble’s Rare First-Class Feat Before Debut
This rare achievement is significant not just statistically, but symbolically. Anil Kumble went on to become India’s greatest-ever match-winner with the ball in Tests, and now Anshul Kamboj begins his journey by achieving a milestone only previously matched by the legend himself.
Kamboj’s pre-debut performance included:
10-wicket haul vs Kerala in Ranji Trophy 2024-25
55 wickets in 11 games that season
Strong showing in India A tour with both ball and bat
These figures helped him earn a surprise selection after injuries ruled out Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, and Nitish Kumar Reddy. With India desperately needing a fresh pace option, the team management turned to Kamboj, and he delivered instantly.
Match Context: Series on the Line
The stakes couldn’t have been higher. India trailed 2-1 in the five-match Test series, making the 4th Test at Old Trafford a must-win. With Ben Stokes winning the toss and choosing to bat, England looked to capitalize on batting-friendly conditions.
However, India responded with intent. Captain Shubman Gill, leading the team in place of Rohit Sharma, said after the toss:
“Good toss to lose, honestly. The way we’ve played, we’ve had some crunch moments. Today, Kamboj gets his debut and he’s earned it.”
India made three key changes:
Sai Sudharsan came in for Karun Nair
Anshul Kamboj and Shardul Thakur replaced injured Akash Deep and Nitish Reddy
Kamboj’s Bowling Brilliance
With overcast skies offering perfect swing conditions, Kamboj made immediate impact. Bowling with controlled aggression, he found movement off the seam and tested the English top order.
His debut spell showcased:
Discipline in line and length
Seam movement reminiscent of Praveen Kumar and Bhuvneshwar Kumar
A composed temperament under pressure
His first wicket came in the 7th over, trapping Zak Crawley LBW with a ball that jagged back sharply. What followed was a series of tight overs and pressure spells, culminating in key breakthroughs that helped India claw back control.
Who Is Anshul Kamboj?
Kamboj hails from Karnal, Haryana, and has been on the selectors’ radar since his Under-19 days. Over the past year, his stocks rose sharply due to his consistent performances in:
Ranji Trophy (79 wickets in 24 matches)
Duleep Trophy (8/69 vs India B)
India A tours
IPL 2024 (Mumbai Indians) and IPL 2025 (Chennai Super Kings)
He earned high praise from MS Dhoni during IPL 2025:
“He doesn’t swing it much, but the ball hits the bat harder than the speed gun shows. Great control and ability to bowl yorkers,” Dhoni noted.
England’s Early Advantage, But India Fights Back
Despite winning the toss, England didn’t have it easy. Kamboj and Mohammed Siraj bowled with fire, and Jasprit Bumrah maintained tight lines. The surface was firm with some grass, offering something for the seamers.
Ben Stokes, in his pre-match comments, said:
“Good overhead conditions for bowling today. We’ve had a good break since Lord’s, and the boys are ready.”
But India’s new-look attack, with Kamboj included, ensured England didn’t settle. The combination of fresh legs and smart bowling plans proved effective.
The Mental Game: Kohli and Ashwin Back the Debutant
Veteran teammates like Ravichandran Ashwin and Virat Kohli have been vocal in support of Kamboj. Ashwin recently said:
“He understands plans and executes them well. That’s a rare quality for a young fast bowler.”
Kohli added during a team talk:
“This guy doesn’t just bowl — he thinks. That’s what we need right now.”
Such endorsements reflect the confidence the dressing room has in the 24-year-old debutant.
A Glimpse of India’s Pace Future
With legends like Ishant Sharma retired and Umesh Yadav out of the picture, India is rebuilding its fast-bowling core. Players like Bumrah, Siraj, and now Kamboj will form the next-gen pace trio — one that combines swing, speed, and smarts.
Kamboj’s debut comes at a time when India is investing in talent who can perform overseas, not just on subcontinental pitches. His ability to adapt, bowl long spells, and deliver in pressure situations makes him a long-term asset.
Final Thoughts
Anshul Kamboj’s Test debut will be remembered not just for his performance but for what it symbolized — the rise of a new name on the Indian pace horizon and the revival of a record last seen with Anil Kumble over three decades ago.
From Ranji dominance to India A tours and finally to Test debut under high-pressure, Kamboj has taken every step with purpose and poise. And as Indian fans hope to level the series, Kamboj’s rare feat serves as a reminder that history has a way of repeating itself — especially when legends are being made.