Anshul Kamboj made his Test debut on Wednesday in Manchester, becoming the 318th player to represent India in the format. The 23-year-old pacer was drafted in as India faced a shortage of bowling options ahead of the fourth Test against England.
Kamboj’s call-up was backed by stellar domestic performances. During the last Ranji Trophy season, he took all 10 wickets in an innings against Kerala — finishing with 10/49, only the third bowler in Ranji history to do so.
He also impressed in the 2023 Vijay Hazare Trophy, taking 17 wickets in 10 matches to help Haryana lift the title, which led to an IPL contract with Mumbai Indians.
A Journey That Began With a Push
Cricket wasn’t his first love — fitness was the motive. As a child, Kamboj was overweight, and it was his father Udham Singh who enrolled him in a cricket academy to help him lose weight.
“It all started with me wanting him to lose some weight. I had specifically asked Satish Rana (Kamboj’s childhood coach) to make him bowl,” Udham Singh told Times of India.
“I never thought he would end up playing for India. But the day I took him to the academy, he got hooked on the game — it became his life.”
Bounce Back with Belief
Kamboj was part of the India A squad that faced the England Lions, but was left out of the final Test squad for the first match. His coach feared the setback would dampen his spirits.
“He came back, and the very next morning, he was at the academy,” Satish Rana told Times of India.
“He had brought a few Duke’s balls and started bowling to a single stump. I asked him, ‘All well?’ and he replied, ‘Sir, I am hopeful.’
This boy is the perfect example of discipline, dedication, and belief.”
From a fitness regimen to a Test cap, Anshul Kamboj’s story is a reminder that the path to greatness can start in the most unexpected ways — with a bit of discipline and a whole lot of heart.
