In a series-defining Test at Old Trafford, Manchester, India handed a much-anticipated debut to young fast bowler Anshul Kamboj, signaling a strategic shift towards youth and pace in the red-ball format. The decision to include Kamboj came ahead of the must-win fourth Test against England, with India trailing 1-2 in the five-match series. On a surface expected to offer bounce and movement, the inclusion of a fresh, energetic quick marks India’s intent to take the game to the hosts from the outset.

A fresh chapter begins for Indian pace attack

The 24-year-old Kamboj became the 318th Test cricketer for India, receiving his maiden cap from Deep Dasgupta in a brief but emotional pre-match huddle. Hailing from Haryana, Kamboj has risen rapidly through the ranks of domestic and India A cricket, impressing selectors with his seam movement, relentless accuracy, and temperament under pressure. The moment was a reward for years of grind in the domestic circuit and consistent performances. Stepping into a high-pressure encounter at a historic venue like Old Trafford is no small feat, but team management believes Kamboj possesses the maturity to thrive on the international stage. With senior pacers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj managing workload across formats, Kamboj’s arrival provides India with a fresh weapon in their pace arsenal.

The rise of young pace sensation Anshul Kamboj 

Kamboj’s cricketing journey began in Rohtak, Haryana, where his athleticism and natural fast-bowling rhythm caught the attention of state selectors early. He made his first-class debut at just 20 and quickly gained attention for his ability to extract bounce and move the ball off the seam, traits vital for success in English conditions.

In just 24 first-class matches, he has bagged 83 wickets at an excellent average of 16, including five five-wicket hauls — stats that underscore both his control and strike potential. As India aims to level the series and stay alive in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on the debutant’s first spells, a moment of promise not just for him, but for the future of Indian fast bowling.

Also READ: Test Stats and Records at the Old Trafford, Manchester

Here’s how fans reacted:

COME ON ANSHUL KAMBOJ DREAM COMES TRUE MOMENT 🇮🇳🏏👍 pic.twitter.com/W3n6iApT9X

— smvenkatesh smvenkatesh (@SSmvenkate75358) July 23, 2025

Very excited, to watch Anshul Kamboj bowl. pic.twitter.com/5OsBVJL06w

— TruthSpreader🌟 (@NotJustARutuFan) July 23, 2025

Anshul Kamboj era begins from today

— Very Vishal😎🤏 (@maivishalhoon) July 23, 2025

𝐂𝐚𝐩 𝐍𝐨. 3⃣1⃣8⃣
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐮𝐥 𝐊𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐨𝐣 🇮🇳💪🏻#WhistlePodu #ENGvIND
📷 : BCCI pic.twitter.com/zFgaWrGR94

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) July 23, 2025

ANSHUL KAMBOJ MAKING HIS INTERNATIONAL DEBUT. 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/9t1FwvJTPD

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 23, 2025

Welcome to Test cricket Anshul Kamboj.
Anshul has taken ten wickets in an innings in Ranji.
Kamboj becomes India’s 318th Test cricketer.

Best of luck Team India and Shubman Gill for 4th Test match.#AnshulKamboj #INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/4bLY6BB5Hi

— Rajkumar Meena (@rkmeena52) July 23, 2025

WELCOME TO TEST CRICKET, ANSHUL KAMBOJ! 🇮🇳🧢

From the dusty nets to the grand stage of Test cricket, dreams do come true, and today, it’s Anshul Kamboj’s turn. A hardworking pacer with fire in his belly, control in his line, and a never-say-die attitude.

This isn’t just a… pic.twitter.com/GimcUFRtzV

— Lalit Kaur Dhillon (@LalitKaur) July 23, 2025

Test Cap number 3⃣1⃣8⃣ 🙌

Congratulations to Anshul Kamboj, who is all set to make his international Debut! 👏👏

Updates ▶️ https://t.co/L1EVgGu4SI#TeamIndia | #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/ntZRqsxczF

— BCCI (@BCCI) July 23, 2025

Never stop dreaming 🤍🧢

Anshul Kamboj | #PlayWithFire | #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/mrl0jOgJr5

— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) July 23, 2025

Test debut for Anshul Kamboj 🌟#ENGvIND #TeamIndia #AnshulKamboj #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/S8ddCzsTrC

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) July 23, 2025

Also READ: Harry Brook reveals England’s mindset shift after heated exchanges with India in Lord’s Test