India’s tour of England is approaching a critical juncture. With the visitors trailing 1-2 in the five-match Test series, the fourth Test at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester, beginning July 23, offers a vital chance for Rohit Sharma’s side to bounce back. Amid fitness concerns and mounting pressure, India has called up Haryana’s promising right-arm pacer Anshul Kamboj to the squad as a replacement for the injured Arshdeep Singh.

The 24-year-old may be uncapped at the international level, but his name has been steadily rising in Indian domestic cricket circles. With the series on the line, it might be the perfect time to unleash him. Here are three big reasons why India must back Anshul Kamboj to make his Test debut in Manchester:

1. India’s Injury Concerns Call for New Energy in the Pace Attack

Team India’s pace department has been stretched thin this series. Jasprit Bumrah is expected to play in Manchester, but he may be rested for the fifth Test to manage his workload. Meanwhile, Akash Deep, who looked promising at Lord’s, experienced back discomfort on Day 4 and didn’t bowl again, raising red flags about his availability. Arshdeep Singh, too, is ruled out with a hand injury that required stitches.

With two pacers doubtful and Prasidh Krishna and Shardul Thakur underwhelming so far, India needs a fresh face with the ability to deliver impactful spells. That’s where Anshul Kamboj fits in. Kamboj's addition to the squad may add balance and energy to the attack, something that India has lacked in previous games. Kamboj is a bowler who relishes rhythm and control and can plug into the experience of Bumrah and Siraj while providing support on challenging pitches.

2. Impressive Numbers in Domestic Cricket and ‘A’ Tours

Anshul Kamboj's numbers are impressive. He has taken 79 wickets at an average of 22.88 in 24 first-class matches, including two five-wicket hauls. In his most recent domestic season, the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy, he took 34 wickets in a mere six matches, something that is one of the best returns by any Indian pacer in the tournament, at an average of 13.79.

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One performance that stood out was his 10-wicket haul in an innings against Kerala, a rare feat that highlighted both skill and endurance. It wasn’t just a fluke. Kamboj followed it up with consistent spells for India A against the England Lions earlier this year. Across two unofficial Tests, he picked up five wickets in three innings and bowled with control and maturity. At a time when form and fitness are both essential, Kamboj brings an in-form, fully fit body who has proven he can deliver with the red ball over long spells.

3. Skillset Built for English Conditions

Kamboj doesn’t rely purely on pace; he’s a bowler who understands conditions, finds movement, and bowls to a plan. These are exactly the traits that suit English pitches. Standing at over six feet tall, he generates bounce and gets the ball to nip around off the seam. The possibilities of him swinging the ball both ways, particularly with the Duke's ball, could make him a real threat at Old Trafford, specifically if the conditions are overcast.

Kamboj has that going for him, too, as the English batters have not seen him before. An unknown can sometimes unsettle the best batting line-ups – oddly enough, this feeling could arguably be heightened in Test cricket because preparation is everything. Kamboj's accuracy and element of surprise could give India the edge it requires to level the series.

With Arshdeep Singh out, Akash Deep only a small doubt, and Prasidh Krishna still not firing, Anshul Kamboj is more than a reserve; he is a genuine option to start in the fourth Test. Kamboj has been great lately, particularly when you add in how clever he has bowled and his adaptability to English conditions, which is a thinking bowler's dream.

In a must-win game for India, Kamboj could be the X-factor player that steps in when it matters and makes a good pip of a moment for himself and the team in a debut match.