India have added fast bowler Anshul Kamboj to their Test squad in Manchester as cover for the injured Arshdeep Singh ahead of the crucial fourth Test against England, set to begin on July 23 at Old Trafford. Arshdeep suffered a hand injury during a practice session and has been ruled out of contention, prompting the team management to bring in Kamboj as a precautionary replacement.
Arshdeep, who was in contention to make his Test debut, reportedly sustained a deep cut on his bowling hand while attempting to stop a powerful return shot during nets. The medical team confirmed that the wound required stitches and that he would need at least ten days of rest to allow proper healing. With Akash Deep also nursing a minor groin niggle, India’s fast-bowling resources appeared stretched, prompting the selectors to act quickly.
Anshul Kamboj, a 24-year-old right-arm medium-fast bowler from Haryana, has been rewarded for his strong performances in domestic and A-team cricket. Known for his disciplined line and length and ability to extract bounce from even placid surfaces, Kamboj has been one of the standout performers in the Ranji Trophy and Duleep Trophy over the past two seasons. He made headlines earlier this year when he claimed all 10 wickets in a Ranji Trophy innings—a rare and remarkable feat.
Kamboj was already in the UK as part of the India A squad and had impressed during the unofficial Test matches with consistent seam movement and accuracy. His transition from domestic success to being on the cusp of a Test debut has been swift, and his inclusion in the senior squad is seen as a reward for both form and readiness.
With the series currently poised at 2–1 in England’s favour, the fourth Test assumes immense importance. India are under pressure to level the series and keep their hopes alive going into the final match. The conditions at Old Trafford are expected to favour seamers, especially in the first two days, and Kamboj’s ability to generate lift and seam movement could be a valuable asset if he is handed a debut.
Head coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma will monitor the fitness of the existing pace options before deciding the playing XI. Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Mukesh Kumar are already in the squad, but with Arshdeep out and Akash Deep uncertain, Kamboj’s presence offers a safety net and tactical flexibility.
For Anshul Kamboj, this call-up represents a significant milestone in his budding career. Even if he does not feature in the playing XI immediately, the experience of being part of the senior setup in such a high-stakes Test could serve as a valuable learning curve. His addition underscores the depth of India’s pace reserves and the selectors’ willingness to trust emerging talent in challenging overseas conditions.
The fourth Test between India and England begins on July 23, and all eyes will be on how India reshuffle their bowling attack to counter England’s momentum.