Cheteshwar Pujara, one of India’s most dependable batters, officially announced his retirement from all formats of Indian cricket on Sunday, August 24. He made the decision public through social media, marking the end of a celebrated career.

Pujara last represented India in the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval. Since then, he had been away from the Test setup, watching younger players take up key roles in the batting lineup.

His exclusion from the squad for the five-match Test series in England was seen as a strong indication of the transition. Accepting the reality, Pujara decided to step aside, leaving behind an inspiring legacy built on resilience, patience, and consistency in red-ball cricket.

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Cheteshwar Pujara vs Sourav Ganguly: A Statistical Showdown:

Cheteshwar Pujara made his Test debut against Australia in Bengaluru in October 2010 and immediately left his mark with a composed 72 off 89 balls in the second innings, helping India secure a seven-wicket victory. After Rahul Dravid’s retirement in 2012, Pujara seamlessly stepped into the crucial No. 3 role in India’s batting order.

One of his finest moments came during the 2018-19 series in Australia, where he scored an impressive 521 runs in four Tests, playing a vital role in India’s historic first-ever series win Down Under. He again proved his value in the 2020-21 series against Australia, absorbing immense pressure and standing firm as a key contributor to another memorable Indian triumph overseas.

Pujara wrapped up his illustrious journey after playing 103 Test matches for India. With his retirement, it becomes interesting to draw a comparison between his numbers and those of former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly, who had reached the same milestone during his cricketing career.

• Cheteshwar Pujara vs Sourav Ganguly – Who Leads in Runs After 103 Tests?

Cheteshwar Pujara finished his career with 7,195 runs in 103 Test matches at an average of 43.60. Against Australia, he enjoyed tremendous success, scoring 2,074 runs in 25 matches at an impressive average of 49.38. He also performed strongly against England, accumulating 1,778 runs in 27 Tests at 39.51.

The veteran batter added 867 runs from 12 Tests against New Zealand at 39.40 and scored 882 runs in 17 appearances versus South Africa at 30.41. Pujara’s most dominant run came against Sri Lanka, where he notched up 743 runs in just seven matches, averaging a remarkable 74.30.

At the 103-Test mark, Sourav Ganguly had scored 6,581 runs at an average of 42.45. Against Australia, he managed 1,079 runs in 20 matches at 31.73. His best numbers came versus England, where he amassed 983 runs in 12 Tests at an excellent average of 57.82. He also scored 968 runs against Sri Lanka in 11 matches at 56.94.

Ganguly’s record included 902 runs in 12 Tests against Pakistan at 47.47 and 736 runs in 14 matches versus South Africa, averaging 30.66. Additionally, he registered 563 runs from eight Tests against New Zealand, averaging a solid 46.91 with the bat.

• Cheteshwar Pujara vs Sourav Ganguly – Who Has More Centuries After 103 Tests?

Cheteshwar Pujara had a highly successful Test career, registering 19 centuries along with 35 fifties. He proved his consistency against top teams, scoring five centuries each against Australia and England. He also dominated Sri Lanka with four hundreds to his name, showcasing his ability to perform across conditions.

In addition, Pujara recorded two centuries against New Zealand and one each versus South Africa, West Indies, and Bangladesh. His finest Test knock came in 2012 at Ahmedabad, where he remained unbeaten on 206 against England. This innings highlighted not only his patience and grit but also his ability to anchor long partnerships.

At the 103-Test mark, Sourav Ganguly had scored 15 centuries and 32 fifties, with his highest being 239 against Pakistan in Bengaluru in December 2007. Out of his 15 tons, three each were struck against England, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka. He also recorded two centuries apiece versus Pakistan and Zimbabwe, while adding one each against Australia and Bangladesh to his tally.

• Cheteshwar Pujara vs Sourav Ganguly – Whose SENA record shines brighter after 103 Tests?

Cheteshwar Pujara featured in 41 Test matches across SENA countries, where he accumulated 2,558 runs at an average of 32.79. During this phase, he registered five centuries and 14 fifties, with his highest score of 193 coming at the Sydney Test in 2019, a memorable knock that highlighted his resilience.

Breaking down his SENA record, Pujara was most successful in Australia, averaging 47.28 in 11 Tests, where he struck three centuries. In England, he managed 29 runs per innings from 16 matches, while in South Africa, he averaged 28.15 in 10 games, including one century. His least returns came in New Zealand, averaging 20 across four Tests.

After 103 Tests, Sourav Ganguly had played 32 matches in SENA nations, amassing 2,311 runs from 59 innings at an average of 42.01, showcasing his consistency in challenging conditions. He registered five centuries and 13 half-centuries during this phase, with his highest score of 144 coming in the Brisbane Test of 2003, a memorable knock against Australia.

Looking at his performances individually, Ganguly averaged 34.80 in 11 Tests played in Australia and an impressive 65.35 from nine matches in England, where he struck three centuries. In New Zealand, he scored at an average of 27.71 across four games, including a hundred, while in South Africa, he averaged 36.14 over eight Tests. 

• Cheteshwar Pujara vs Sourav Ganguly – Who Contributed More to Wins After 103 Tests?

Cheteshwar Pujara proved to be a strong performer whenever India secured victories. Out of his 103 Tests, he played in 58 wins, contributing 4,408 runs from 96 innings at an excellent average of 50.66. In these winning causes, the dependable batter struck 13 centuries and 23 half-centuries. Interestingly, two of his tons came in defeats while four were scored in drawn games.

On the other hand, Sourav Ganguly’s impact in victories was relatively smaller. After 103 Tests, he featured in 33 wins, scoring 1,954 runs from 50 innings at an average of 46.52. He registered three centuries and 12 fifties in winning causes. Notably, 12 of his 15 Test hundreds at that stage came in drawn encounters.

Fans who follow cricket are well known about the yo-yo test. The yo-yo test is known as one of the toughest test to clear by an athlete and everyone wants to be on the green side of the wicket. As per Indian Express BCCI is coming up with Bronco test as the new benchmark with historic roots from New Zealand. In yo-yo test, athlete has to run between two marks. shuttling between the two marks with short intermittent breaks, a player proves his athletic ability.

Speaking of the Bronco test, unlike yo-yo test the player here starts with 20m shuttle then the 20m is converted into 40m and then the 60m. Each and every player will have to do five sets of Bronco test in six minutes without a break. The yo-yo test was mainly used in cricket soccer and football. It was publicized by cricket and athletes who were using it.

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What is Bronco Test?

The bronco test is a Rugby centric test which is being brought by BCCI to improve and maintain high fitness level and aerobic capacity of athletes. But unlike yo-yo test, Bronco test will make an athlete run between two marks without a stop or without an intermittent break for six minutes. In yo-yo test, a player has to run between two marks which are 20m apart and as soon as he completes one shuttle, the speed increases.

When the beep starts, the player will start his run up and when the beep stops, he will get a break. When the player no longer can maintain his pace, the test closes. It will be interesting to see the Rugby centric Bronco test being introduced in cricket and how it catapults the aerobic capacity of the athletes that will be seen on the field when they are practicing, fielding or running between the wickets.

Australia all-rounder Beau Webster is eager to keep himself in Ashes contention by continuing to pile on performances at home, starting with the Sheffield Shield.

The 30-year-old has made a positive start to his Test career, scoring four half-centuries in seven Tests played on difficult surfaces. However, Webster knows there's no certainty at the top level of the game. "When you're at the top level, you're scrapping just to hang on to your spot," Webster said on Hobart after returning from a county stint following the West Indies Tests.

The Tasmanian all-rounder is aware of the competition, especially with Cameron Green. The tall right-hander believes Green's return to full bowling duties this summer could put the spotlight back on him, fighting for a spot in Australia's middle-order. "With all the wonderful cricketers around the country, and especially a guy like Cameron Green... he's obviously going to be back bowling this summer, which will put a little bit more pressure on my spot at No. 6 as the all-rounder. But I welcome it."

Runs in the Shield will be key for the all-rounder’s Ashes ambitions

Selectors will also need to navigate the balance of Marnus Labuschagne’s role, with the seasoned batter prepared to bounce around the order to fit in the XI. That flexibility, along with Green's return, means that Webster could perhaps be the most debated position of the Australian setup as they prepare for a five-Test Ashes series kick-starting in Perth on November 21.

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For Webster, it is about taking on the domestic red-ball scene in the meantime. This has given Webster hope with four Shield matches to play and an enormous opportunity to enhance his credentials. "I feel like I've been in this position many times in my career, where I've needed to score runs to either get to the next level or maintain my position on the team. It's certainly not new. I'm really looking forward to showing what I can do again at Shield level and hopefully lining up in the first Ashes Test in Perth.”

The all-rounder has a realistic mindset about his record to date. While he has produced gutsy contributions, he still does not have a maiden Test hundred. He thinks a hundred would be a good head of selection. "I feel like I have scored some tough runs. But I don't have a hundred next to my name, which I would have preferred. I feel like I was batting as well as I have in a number of those innings. I feel like I have the tools to be successful this summer in the Ashes with what England will probably throw at me."

Mitchell Starc had already celebrated his milestone 100th Test and 400th wicket this year – which Ricky Ponting deemed a legacy for Australian cricket – but the focus now shifts to the next evolution of cricketers, who are trying to seize their own moment in the spotlight. 

For Webster, the formula to be selected is evident: runs, consistency, and fighting spirit in the Shield to get the selectors to pick him. If he does do that, the Ashes would be a career-high point for Webster to really prove himself.

Australia batter Marnus Labuschagne is ready to modify his game to once again play Test cricket, even if it means giving up his long-cherished No. 3 spot to open the batting in the Ashes.

The 31-year-old has not played for the Test side since the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025, after having a poor run between December 2022 and March this year, averaging just 33.08 in the Test arena. This decline in form was the reason for Labuschagne’s omission from the West Indies series earlier this year, his first omission since he made his place in the side in 2019.

Due to Labuschagne’s absence, Cameron Green was promoted to No. 3 and had some success in difficult conditions in the Caribbean, scoring 184 runs at an average of just over 30 in six innings. With Green continuing to embrace the No. 3 spot, and young opener Sam Konstas with 50 in six innings, selectors could call on Labuschagne to fill the top order void.

Labuschagne, who opened in the WTC final against South Africa, scoring 17 and 22, says he is ready for the challenge. “I would be happy to do that – I would love to. If opener is where I need to bat to be playing in the Test team, that’s fine,” he told News Corp. “I’ve batted at three my whole career, but at this stage you don’t get a choice. I got in during the final but didn’t go on with it.”

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Determined Labuschagne Eyes Ashes Return After Period of Reflection

His time out of the Test side has given him a rare opportunity to reflect and work intensively on his game without the pressure of immediate performance. “It’s something I thrive on proving the doubters wrong,” Labuschagne said. “Missing those West Indies Tests gave me the chance to think, ‘This is where I want to be and this is how I’m going to get there.’”

The Queenslander remains part of Australia’s ODI setup and could feature in the upcoming three-match series against South Africa. He will also have three Sheffield Shield games before the Ashes squad is named in mid-November, a key window to push for his recall. If form and opportunity align, Labuschagne’s path back to the Baggy Green may well begin at the very top of the order.

Devon Conway put an end to a two-year drought of a Test hundred as New Zealand tightened their hold over Zimbabwe on Day 2 of the second Test. The left-hand batsman produced a smooth and undefeated 140 by lunchtime, leading New Zealand past 300 and to a total of 306/2 with an overall lead of 181.

When the morning session play resumed, New Zealand was 174/1, leading by 49. The hosts only added nightwatchman Jacob Duffy's wicket to their second-day laundry list as they added 132 runs in the morning session. After starting the day on 78, Conway hit a brisk fifth Test century from just 143 balls, driving Luckie Muzarabani through mid-off for his 13th four. He lifted a clenched fist in the air in celebration. His reaction was equally one of relief that he’d finally reached three figures in a Test match after 16 Tests without a century earlier. 

Duffy also performed a rare appearance with the bat, putting a level of frustration over Zimbabwe with a plucky 36 in a 73-run partnership with Conway before Masekesa broke the stand. A debuting Bennett pulled off a sharp catch at short mid-wicket for Duffy, which paved the way for Henry Nicholls to join Conway and start their innings as the highest on the board. Nicholls was 41 not out at lunch break as the fatigue of the New Zealanders' opponents was starting to show; they struggled with their last touch of resiliency.

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Conway’s Century and Pace Attack Put New Zealand in Complete Control

The groundwork was laid on Day 1 when New Zealand’s new-look pace battery stripped Zimbabwe for just 125 inside two sessions. Matt Henry spearheaded the attack with 5/40, and debutant Zakary Foulkes with 4/38, unsettled the hosts with height and accuracy. Jacob Duffy and Matthew Fisher chipped in, whilst Fisher took the final wicket, a bowled ball from Tanaka Chivanga.

Brendan Taylor provided the only resistance for Zimbabwe in his first Test match in over 3.5 years since his ICC ban. His stoic 44 off 107 balls was in doubt as Zimbabwe lost three wickets in eight balls after lunch, and he looked like the only player who could halt New Zealand’s relentless pace attack. The conceding of Sikandar Raza at leg slip alongside the golden duck of Trevor Gwandu spoke volumes about how competitive the hosts were.

In reply, New Zealand began commanding their reply through a 162-run opening partnership featuring Will Young (74) and Conway. The Zimbabwe fast bowlers struggled to bowl quickly and also didn't cause any issues with pace (which is notably controversial), and they struggled to create swings or exert pressure with their bowling. Their fielding also didn't help their plight. With Conway well and truly in and with a lengthy batting line-up behind him, New Zealand seem to be focused on batting Zimbabwe out of the match, completing a 2-0 series whitewash, in another inconsequential Test in the World Test Championship.

Mohammad Siraj is establishing himself as the mainstay of India's bowling attack in the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, as the leading wicket taker with 20 total wickets. His latest four-wicket haul at The Oval busted open the middle order of an England batting lineup that was thriving and gave the beleaguered Indian side some hope of coming back from the dead in a tense Test and pushed the England innings forward with guesswork. Siraj's figures of 4/86 should underline that he has dismissed big names such as Joe Root, Ollie Pope, Jacob Bethell, and Harry Brook, which once again shows he is a player for the big occasion. Siraj now leads for wickets so far in the series, ahead of Josh Tongue (19), Ben Stokes (17), Jasprit Bumrah (14), and Akash Deep (12). Aside from the numbers, his phenomenal energy, the ability to take wickets at long lengths, and proud emotional celebrations have already endeared Siraj to us as the anthem of India’s pace attack on this tour.

Siraj bowled more overs than any other bowler in the five-match series—a great testament to his fitness and ability to manage his workload. Whether flat tracks or seam-friendly conditions, the right-arm quick has consistently provided breakthroughs and interventions that India needed the most. To think we went from a support bowler to leading the attack in Bumrah's absence shows the amazing progression. As the series unfolds, social media users across the world consider it "Miyan Magic" and celebrate his presence and impact on the team's performance and morale, not only as a skill with the ball but also with intensity and delightful exuberance.

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Twitter Erupts with "Miyan Magic"

Siraj ne bola,

Mujhe wickets chahiye. Bas.

Series ends → He’s on top 🥇pic.twitter.com/g44SuMsyOr

— 𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒉𝒊 (@Imrealrishi) August 3, 2025

Leading wicket-taker of the series with 1️⃣8️⃣* scalps 👊

Siraj bhai aap officer or official dono ho 😂♥️#ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/xJi7RZ5bTH

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) August 1, 2025

Md.siraj is now the highest wicket taker of the series. Playing ALL 5 tests and bowling the most overs.. Very Well Deserved #AndersonTendulkarTrophy

— Sam Sudharsanan (@sksudharsanan) August 3, 2025

Siraj could end this series as the highest wicket-taker, but he's still been so unlucky, man. Some brilliant bowling has gone unrewarded plenty of times. Hoping today isn't one of those days.

— Aditya Singh (@_adityasingh20) August 3, 2025

- 20 wickets in Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024.
- 20 wickets in Anderson Tendulkar Trophy 2025.

ONE & ONLY MOHAMMED SIRAJ 🇮🇳🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/JwyJZAUo4Z

— Ａ乃𝕦𝕥𝐇Ⓐ𝐥ιᶠ (@GOAT_Abu) August 3, 2025

India head into the final Test at The Oval facing a 2–1 series deficit after a thrilling draw at Old Trafford. It was a Test that demanded character, and the Indian team responded with exactly that. Centuries from Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar rescued India after being reduced to 0 for 2 in the second innings and trailing by 311 runs.

But amid the fightback, one reality stood out: India’s bowling unit looked completely drained. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, both having bowled tirelessly all series, now appear in serious need of rest. With the series still up for grabs, the fifth Test presents not just an opportunity to level the score but also to inject fresh energy and test deserving names on the fringes. Here are five players who have earned a spot in India’s playing XI for the all-important clash at The Oval:

1. Arshdeep Singh 

Arshdeep Singh is yet to play a Test for India, but with the current workload management concerns around Bumrah and Siraj, this could be the perfect time. The 25-year-old left-arm seamer has built up solid red-ball credentials in the domestic circuit, having picked up 48 wickets in 13 first-class matches at an average of 23.91. His five-for (5/35) against Gujarat in the Ranji Trophy was a timely reminder of his readiness.

More importantly, Arshdeep’s natural angle and swing would add a crucial point of difference to India’s pace attack, which has been predominantly right-arm throughout the series. With overcast conditions likely at The Oval, he could exploit the early movement and trouble England’s aggressive top order.

2. Kuldeep Yadav 

Kuldeep Yadav has warmed the bench throughout the series, but if there was ever a time to unleash him, it’s now. His overall Test stats are outstanding: in just 10 matches, Kuldeep has taken 41 wickets at an average of 21.09, with best figures of 5/40. Despite not being a regular in recent years, his match-winning potential with the red ball is undeniable.

Given how the Old Trafford pitch began to turn on Day 5, The Oval is likely to offer even more assistance to spinners late in the game. Kuldeep could be the attacking spin option India needs to complement the control of Jadeja and Sundar. His inclusion would give India a proper three-pronged spin attack capable of running through England’s middle order.

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3. Dhruv Jurel 

With Rishabh Pant ruled out of the fifth Test due to a fractured toe, Dhruv Jurel will walk into the XI as the wicketkeeper-batter. And there’s no better candidate. Jurel already impressed in the home series against England earlier in the year, scoring 153 runs in 2 Tests at a superb average of 76.50, with a highest score of 90. His glove work was assured, and he showed remarkable composure under pressure.

Even during the India A vs England Lions series, Jurel struck scores of 94, 53*, and 52, a streak that underlined his readiness for the longest format. He’s calm, technically compact, and has the temperament to bat with both the top and lower order, something India will desperately need in Pant’s absence.

4. Prasidh Krishna 

Prasidh Krishna is another player who has been in the Test setup for a while but is yet to make his debut. While Anshul Kamboj looked underwhelming on debut, Prasidh could bring a different threat with his high-arm action and steep bounce. His first-class numbers are solid: 49 wickets from 12 matches at an average of 19.18.

With India looking to rest both Bumrah and Siraj, there’s a strong chance the Oval Test could mark Prasidh’s long-awaited debut. The pitch at The Oval tends to offer bounce and carry, something that could suit his style perfectly. With Arshdeep moving it, Prasidh hitting the deck, and Akash Deep offering control, India could have a balanced pace trio for the showdown.

5. Abhimanyu Easwaran 

The only uncapped player on this list with extensive India A experience, Abhimanyu Easwaran, continues to remain on the selectors’ radar. The 29-year-old opener boasts a first-class average of 46.83 across 89 matches, with 20 hundreds and a highest score of 233. Despite being part of several Test squads, he’s yet to receive his debut cap.

India’s top order looked fragile at times in the series, especially after early losses in the fourth Test. If the team chooses to rest Rohit Sharma or drop an out-of-form Patidar, Easwaran could finally get his long-overdue opportunity. He’s a compact, no-fuss batter built for the rigours of Test cricket, and this might just be his moment.

India showed great character in salvaging a draw at Old Trafford, but the fifth Test is more than just about pride. It’s about rebalancing workloads, preparing the bench for future overseas tours, and giving richly deserving players their due. Whether it’s Kuldeep’s guile, Arshdeep’s swing, Prasidh’s bounce, Jurel’s resilience, or Easwaran’s consistency, each of these names has something valuable to offer. At The Oval, where results often go down to the wire, India’s fresh faces could be the ones to script the final act of this hard-fought series.

With the high-stakes fourth Test between England and India set to begin at Old Trafford on Wednesday, England captain Ben Stokes addressed the media with a series of key updates, backing experienced players and highlighting the fierce competitiveness of the ongoing series.

Stokes threw his full support behind all-rounder Liam Dawson, who is set to return to Test cricket after an eight-year hiatus, replacing the injured Shoaib Bashir. Dawson earned his recall after strong domestic performances and an impressive comeback in T20Is earlier this year, where he picked up five wickets in three games, including a career-best 4/20.

“He's been performing really well for Hampshire and showed in the T20Is that he can slot back in and deliver,” said Stokes. “He’s a very good cricketer and I’m excited for him this week.” Stokes also hinted at bigger things for Dawson, stating that consistent performances could even open the door to Ashes selection in the future.

Stokes backs Dawson’s comeback, Woakes retains his spot, and praises pour in for Joe Root ahead of high-voltage Manchester Test

England have opted to stick with Chris Woakes instead of bringing in Gus Atkinson for the fourth Test. Stokes highlighted Woakes' excellent record at Old Trafford, where he averages just 17.37 across 35 wickets. “Woakes brings control and depth with the bat. We won the last game with this bowling setup, so there wasn’t a strong reason to change.”

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Stokes compared the current England-India series to the legendary 2005 Ashes, citing the close margins and thrilling finishes of the first three Tests. “All three Tests have gone into Day 5, and both sides have been evenly matched. It’s been a fantastic series so far.” With two games left, including the upcoming match at Manchester, the intensity is expected to remain high.

Reflecting on his own performance and fitness, Stokes was satisfied with how his workload has been managed, especially after putting in a significant effort before the series began. “I’ve been smart about how I break up my overs, and all the pre-series preparation has helped me stay physically strong.” Stokes was the Player of the Match at Lord’s, where he took five wickets and scored a crucial 77 runs.

The England skipper had nothing but praise for Joe Root, who recently reclaimed the No.1 spot in the ICC Test batting rankings. “He’s just the absolute GOAT. I don’t need to say more.” Root is now only 120 runs away from overtaking legends Dravid, Kallis, and Ponting to become the second-highest run-scorer in Test history, trailing only Sachin Tendulkar. The fourth Test at Old Trafford is a pivotal clash in the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle, and England will be hoping to ride their momentum after their thrilling victory at Lord’s.

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.

Test match cricket is known for its unpredictable twists, where fortunes can change from session to session. While India has a great reputation at home, they have also had some agonizingly close defeats at the world cricket. The latest was on July 14, 2025, at Lord's, where India lost to England by 22 runs on the tense fifth day. Even with a gallant effort under Ravindra Jadeja, the visitors were short while trying to make 193. This defeat now finds its place among India's closest Test losses by runs, and yet another page is added to their history of near misses.

1. 12 runs against Pakistan—Chennai (1999)

This match has become memorable for all cricket fans as one of the most thrilling contests between India and Pakistan. Chasing 271 on a wicket offering much turn, India had tremendous support from Sachin Tendulkar's 136 - made while battling back pain. He single-handedly pulled India from 20/2 to 254/6, bringing them agonizingly close to a momentous victory. however, a late collapse after his dismissal triggered a dramatic turn of events, leaving India 12 runs short of a win. Chennai fans' ovation for the winning Pakistan team remains a symbol of the game's spirit.

2. 16 runs against Australia—Brisbane (1977)

India had almost achieved a historic victory against Australia at Brisbane in 1977, when it was led by Bishan Singh Bedi. Australia batted first and set India a target of 341, and Sunil Gavaskar responded with a magnificent 113 in the fourth innings, which showed his class and determination. despite his efforts and the team's strong batting performance, India was eventually bowled out for 324, short by 16 runs. This loss is India's equal-second closest Test run loss, testifying to the extreme conditions at the Gabba as well as the robust bowling of Australia.

See Also: Watch: Mohammed Siraj's unlucky dismissal vs England in today's ENG vs IND 3rd Test match

3. 16 runs vs. Pakistan—Bengaluru (1987)

In Sunil Gavaskar's last Test match, India endured another agonizing 16-run loss against Pakistan at Bengaluru. Pursuing a target of 221 on a tough pitch, Gavaskar had a defiant innings of 96, demonstrating his expertise on a rank turner. But he lacked support from his teammates, as Pakistan's spin pair of Iqbal Qasim and Tauseef Ahmed ran through India's second innings, taking all 10 wickets. This game, which is remembered for Gavaskar's courageous performance in his swansong, was a disappointing one for India, as they got bowled out for 204. Man of the Match was given to Gavaskar even though India lost, which is a testament to individual brilliance.

4. 22 runs vs. England—Lord's (2025)

In a nail-biting match at Lord's, India narrowly lost to England on the fifth day of the third Test, falling by 22 runs in pursuit of a target of 193. This marks India's lowest margin of defeat in England and their fourth-lowest margin in Tests overall. Despite a defiant unbeaten 61 from Ravindra Jadeja, who battled valiantly with the tailenders, India's top order struggled under pressure against the likes of Jofra Archer and Ben Stokes. The match concluded with Mohammed Siraj's dismissal to a gentle delivery from Shoaib Bashir, leaving Jadeja stranded and sealing a heartbreaking result. The loss gave England a 2-1 lead in the series and left Indian fans stunned by yet another close finish slipping away.