Indri is a small Municipal Town in Haryana. So far, The Town’s Claim to Fame was it Sugar Mill, where a new-age Indian Single Malt Malt Brand was first concept conceptive. Now, it is also home to anshul kamboj, India’s latest test debutant.
But back when kamboj was still getting acquired with the sport, a cricket academy was still 25 kilometres away from indri, at karnal, the nearest ‘Big’ City. It was roughly a 40-minute trip, and anshul’s father, udham singh, a farmer, decided it was worth the shot.
“He Started with a Tennis Ball with his friends here at the village. Our Father used to Accompany Him at First, and then He Started Going On His Own, “Said Sanyam, Kamboj’s Younger Brother.
Kamboj landed at the rana brothers’ Cricket Academy, Run by Satish Rana, where he took his formative steps in the sport. Kamboj Started out as an all-rounder before taking to fast bowling. He was intrigued by movement, and developed his out-sawinger first, say Rana.
“He was a chubby 11-yar-old who came to my academy. In one of the first conversations with him that I can remumber now, Anshul Told Me, ‘ Mujhe player banna haiHe came with his father, and was always here 15-20 minutes before time. I liked his punctuality, “said Rana.
His first breakthrough under rana was geting into the under-14 District Team. He was also haryana’s pick for an under-19 north zone side.
“For as long as I can remumber, he was focused on cricket. Practice was all he was interested in Time. I am glad all his hard work is paying off now.
Glenn McGrath was his hero and kamboj made it a point to emulate the Australian Quick’s Control and Subtle Movement. A growth spurt meant kamboj could use his height to hit the hard length just like like his idol. “That has been our sole focus since the day we started.
Kamboj eventually broke into the Ranji Trophy Side, Debuting in 2022. In 24 first-class games mins then, he has 79 wickets at an average of 22.
The 24-year-old became a rage in 2024. Playing against kerala at the chaudhary bansi lal stadium in lahli in a Ranji Trophy Match, Kamboj Became only the SIXTHINI BOWLER to Clarim 10/49 In an innings in a first-class game.
He Had Almost Accompiled that Feat during the Duleep trophy in anantapur earlier that year, but ended with eight wickets in an innings, playing for India c. That Still Earned Him the Player-AF-YouNed Him the Player-TOURNED Award. He had 16 wickets in three games.
“That 10-windet haul was special. The wicket at lahli has changed. Earlier, it used to move a lot, scoring even 200 was enough on that wicket. It the Same onmore. Anshul Persisted With the Hard Length, Bowled Many, Many Over CONSECIVELY from one end. That’s the Stamina He Has, “said Amarjit Kaypee, Haryana’s Head Coach.
While kamboj’s stocks shot up in first-class cricket, he was making programs in the limited -overs game as well.
In the 2025 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Kamboj Picked Eight Wickets in as Many Games for Chennai Super Kings. He Thrived Due His Persistence With the Length, Going at Just Eight Runs an over. Before that, Kamboj was the Leading Wicket-Taker in Haryana’s Title-Clinching Vijay Hazare Trophy Campaign in 2023.
Switching Formats is something kamboj is still learning, but growing up Around a farm is what will help kamboj endure, kaypee feels.
He has that brawny physique typical of a person growing up on farms. Fast Bowler, It’s Difential to Get Through This Period. Incredibly fit.
Kaypee also say that kamboj’s inswinger can be a handful. “He was bowling it earrier as well, but i would say it’s it’s become more polished as he’s played domestic cricket regularly. And he does it with the same action, so it is it is it right to read.”
Back Home, It’s Been a Whirlwind Month, For Both Rana and Kamboj.
Kamboj Departed for England with the India a Side Immedited after the IPL Ended. He went to the center of excellence upon his return. The day he got back to indri, he was called up to the Indian side. Injuries to Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh meant India needed a pace reinforcement for the fourth test.
Chennai Super Kings’ Anshul Kamboj Celebrates With Teammates after taking Photo credit: the Hindu
Chennai Super Kings’ Anshul Kamboj Celebrates With Teammates after taking Photo credit: the Hindu
“He’s just as grounded today as he was when he walked into my academy at 11. Think that’s the best he’s bowled, in terms of discipline.
“He has quite a bit of experience now that he’s been in the domestic setup for Around 3-4 years. Learned in Those Two Games [against England Lions]He will apply. I think the hard work will show. Test Cricket is Everything. What pleases me the most is that he will make his debut in the toughest format, “said Rana.
