Ravichandran Ashwin Advocates for Anshul Kamboj's Inclusion in India's Test Squad

Ravichandran Ashwin has thrown his support behind uncapped bowler Anshul Kamboj, recommending him for the final XI in the fourth Test against England. With injuries affecting the Indian squad, Kamboj's impressive domestic record and ability to bowl long spells make him a strong candidate to join the pace attack alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. Ashwin's insights into Kamboj's skills and strategic understanding position him as a promising addition to the team as India seeks to overcome a series deficit.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 22, 2025, 10:33 IST

Ashwin Backs Kamboj for Fourth Test Against England

New Delhi, July 22: Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed his support for uncapped bowler Anshul Kamboj, suggesting he should replace Prasidh Krishna in the final XI for the upcoming fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England in Manchester, set to commence on Wednesday.

The Indian team has faced injury setbacks, preventing them from fielding a fully balanced squad at Old Trafford. Akash Deep is likely out due to a groin issue, while Arshdeep Singh will miss the match after injuring his hand.

In light of these challenges, Kamboj has been dispatched to Manchester to bolster India's weakened pace attack. Discussions have arisen regarding the third seam bowling option, with Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah expected to lead the charge.

Ashwin believes Kamboj's impressive domestic performance makes him a strong candidate for the role, despite Prasidh's availability, as India aims to recover from a 1-2 series deficit. The 24-year-old's ability to bowl extended spells, combined with his wrist position and excellent seam movement, makes him well-suited for the English conditions.

“If Anshul Kamboj joins the XI, it will significantly enhance our bowling attack. While some may argue that he is inexperienced, he has shown remarkable form in first-class cricket,” Ashwin stated on his YouTube channel, Ash Ki Baat.

Kamboj gained attention during the second unofficial Test against the England Lions, where he delivered a standout performance with match figures of 4/62, consistently troubling the opposition.

His remarkable achievements include becoming only the third Indian to take all ten wickets in a single innings during the last Ranji Trophy season, following an outstanding performance against Kerala.

Concluding his season with 34 wickets in six matches at an impressive average of 13.79, Kamboj also excelled in the Duleep Trophy, leading the wicket-taking charts with 16 wickets from just three games at an average of 17.12.

Ashwin, who has witnessed Kamboj's capabilities firsthand during their time together at Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025, highlighted Kamboj's strategic understanding, likening him to elite bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah.

“His average is around 13, and he has a knack for long spells, which is crucial in England. I believe Anshul would complement Bumrah and Siraj well. While Prasidh is an option, I would prefer Anshul. His wrist position is impressive,” Ashwin remarked.

“What stands out about Anshul is his ability to grasp the game plan, a quality not commonly found among fast bowlers. Zaheer Khan possessed this trait, and in recent times, Bumrah has shown similar understanding, placing Anshul in that elite category,” he added.

India's squad for the fourth Test includes: Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (VC & WK), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Kuldeep Yadav, and Anshul Kamboj.