How does Anshul Kamboj feel about his Test debut?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Anshul Kamboj has replaced the injured Akash Deep for the fourth Test against England.
- Kamboj expressed his feelings as 'surreal' after receiving his Test cap.
- He has a remarkable record in domestic cricket, with 79 wickets in 24 first-class matches.
- His performance for India 'A' further solidified his selection for the national team.
- Kamboj's ultimate goal is to make a significant impact in Test cricket.
New Delhi, July 23 (NationPress) Indian pacer Anshul Kamboj expressed his joy and humility after being selected to replace the injured Akash Deep for the fourth Test against England in the prestigious Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series at Old Trafford, Manchester on Wednesday.
“The feeling is surreal. It’s beyond words. I will strive to perform better as much as I can,” stated the 24-year-old fast bowler in a video released by the BCCI, moments after receiving his Test cap from former Indian wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta.
Just a week prior, Kamboj was diligently training in Karnal with a Dukes ball, eagerly anticipating his opportunity. As injuries plagued India’s bowling unit ahead of the Manchester Test, the selectors turned to Kamboj — a player who has showcased consistent performance in domestic cricket over recent seasons. On Wednesday, he became the 318th Test player for India, stepping in for the injured Akash Deep, who is dealing with a groin injury.
A right-handed batter and medium pacer, Kamboj first garnered attention during the last season's Ranji Trophy, where he achieved the remarkable feat of taking all 10 wickets in an innings for Haryana against Kerala, a rare milestone in Indian cricket. Since then, his career has steadily progressed. In 24 first-class matches to date, he has secured 79 wickets and has also contributed valuable runs down the order.
His recent performance for India 'A' against the England Lions further bolstered his selection. In a four-day match in Northampton last month, he claimed two wickets in each innings and scored an unbeaten 51 in the second innings, demonstrating poise and control with both bat and ball.
Kamboj, who played for the Mumbai Indians in 2025, was also part of the Chennai Super Kings squad in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, under the mentorship of MS Dhoni. He took eight wickets in eight matches, but his ultimate aspiration has always been to excel in Test cricket.