Anshul Kamboj, a 24-year-old fast bowler from Karnal, Haryana, stepped into the international spotlight when he earned his Test debut for India in the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford, Manchester, on July 23, 2025. Replacing the injured Akash Deep, Kamboj became India’s 318th Test cricketer, a milestone that capped a remarkable journey from domestic dominance to the global stage.

Kamboj’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. He burst onto the scene with a historic performance in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy, taking all 10 wickets (10/49) in a single innings against Kerala in Rohtak. This feat made him only the third bowler in Ranji history—after Premangsu Chatterjee (1956-57) and Pradeep Sundaram (1985-86)—to achieve a 10-wicket haul in an innings, etching his name into Indian cricket folklore. His domestic prowess didn’t stop there.

In 24 first-class matches, Kamboj has claimed 79 wickets at an impressive average of 22.88, while contributing 486 runs, including a career-best unbeaten 51 for India A against England Lions in 2025, highlighting his all-round potential.

His red-ball credentials were further bolstered in the 2024 Duleep Trophy, where he emerged as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 16 scalps in three matches for India C, including a match-defining 8/69 against India B. Kamboj’s performances for India A in England, where he took five wickets and scored an unbeaten 51 against the Lions, showcased his ability to perform under pressure on foreign soil, catching the selectors’ attention.

In the IPL, Kamboj debuted with Mumbai Indians in 2024, playing three matches and taking two wickets. His fortunes soared in 2025 when Chennai Super Kings (CSK) secured him for ₹3.4 crore in the mega auction. 

Under MS Dhoni’s leadership, he played eight matches, claiming eight wickets with an economy rate of 8.00. Dhoni praised Kamboj’s deceptive pace and seam movement, noting, “The ball hits harder than the speed gun suggests, and he bowls a very accurate yorker.” Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin also lauded his tactical acumen, comparing his ability to execute plans to Zaheer Khan and Jasprit Bumrah.

Born on December 6, 2000, Kamboj’s journey began in Haryana’s domestic circuit in 2021. His 17 wickets in the 2023-24 Vijay Hazare Trophy helped Haryana clinch the title, underscoring his white-ball prowess. 

Despite setbacks, including missing the 2020 U-19 World Cup due to injury, Kamboj’s resilience and work ethic shone through. As he partners Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj in a must-win Test, the pacer’s disciplined bowling and fiery determination make him a player to watch.