Anshul Kambhoj, the right-arm medium pacer from Haryana, who can swing the ball, disturbing set batsmen and with a deadly bouncer in his armoury, has been picked up for the Indian squad practicing for the fourth test match starting at Old Trafford on July 23. Anshul could get lucky and play in the test match thanks to the injuries to pacers Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh, who have to sit out the proceedings.
If he gets a chance to be in the playing eleven, Haryanvis, and of course, cricket lovers from across the country and beyond, would be wondering if Anshul can also become the Haryana hurricane like former Indian captain and legendary all-rounder who also hails from Haryana, Kapil Dev, known for his exploits with both ball and bat. Similarities are that both hail from the state and are both all-rounders. And this is where the similarities end. While Kapil Dev, once he entered the team, stayed put till he announced retirement, Anshul is yet to make a test debut for India.
Can he make it on July 23 when the Old Trafford test begins? Only time will tell whether the man in question enters the field as he has for the present been called into the Team India, but a final call on his entry into the playing XI will be taken later.
The 25-year-old Haryana pacer Anshul’s backstory echoes simplicity. He has steadily risen through the ranks, turning heads with his raw talent and determination. Born on December 6, 2000, Anshul hails from the land of champions, Haryana. It was during the 2024 Ranji Trophy that the young pacer left an indelible mark in the Indian cricketing folklore. He delivered a spellbinding performance against Kerala by becoming the third cricketer-after Premangsu Chatterjee and Pradeep Sundaram-to single-handedly take all ten wickets in a single innings.
He tore through the opposition with unmatched performance, claiming eight wickets on Day 2-a performance to be remembered for the ages. Kambhoj began his IPL journey with the Mumbai Indians in 2024, where he turned heads with his stellar performance. Although his stint with MI was brief, it wasn’t long before CSK secured his services for a whopping Rs 3.40 crore at the IPL auction. In May 2025, he took the IPL field for the final time to clash against GT at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, scoring zero without delivering.
It wasn’t the Indian Premier League that truly showcased his prowess. His domestic achievements drew the gaze of many in the 2023 Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he snatched 17 wickets in ten matches, leading Haryana to a title triumph.
