"Close to Debut": Skipper Gill Hails Pacer Kamboj Ahead of 4th Test

Shubman Gill Indicates Anshul Kamboj Could Make His Debut in the Fourth Test

As England leads the Test series 2-1 heading into the fourth match at Manchester, Indian captain Shubman Gill has suggested that fast bowler Anshul Kamboj is "close to making his debut." The decision between Kamboj and Prasidh Krishna for the final spot in the playing XI appears to be a tight race.

With the series still within reach, Team India is expected to deliver a strong all-round performance to level the scoreline. However, the team faces challenges due to injuries. Nitish Kumar Reddy, an all-rounder, will miss the remainder of the series, while left-arm spinner Arshdeep Singh is also unavailable for the fourth Test. This situation opens up an opportunity for Kamboj, a 24-year-old right-handed seamer from Haryana.

Gill expressed confidence in Kamboj's abilities, stating that the team has seen enough of him and that communication with him has been straightforward. He highlighted that Kamboj's skill set aligns with what the team needs. "He is there because we believe he can win us the match," said Gill.

The captain also mentioned that Akash Deep, who was brought in during the second Test, was not questioned by many. "It's mainly the belief that we have within our squad that any player who comes into the team can or can win matches for us," he added.

Kamboj's performances in the India A tour to England before the series have been impressive. He has demonstrated consistency with the ball, sticking to traditional lengths and generating movement. During the two unofficial Tests against England Lions, he took four wickets, including two in a single over. Additionally, he showed resilience with the bat, forming an unbeaten 149-run partnership with Tanush Kotian and scoring a half-century himself.

In the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season, Kamboj took 34 wickets in six matches, becoming the leading wicket-taker in the 2024-25 Duleep Trophy. He made history by becoming only the third Indian to take all ten wickets in an innings against Kerala. In First-Class cricket, he has taken 79 wickets in 24 matches, averaging 22.88 with a strike rate of 44.2 and an economy of 3.10.

Gill acknowledged that it is not ideal to have a different bowling attack in every match but stated that he had planned for this scenario before the series. "Anshul is very close to making his debut. We are going to see tomorrow, between him and Prasidh, who is going to make it to the playing XI," he said.

Prasidh Krishna, on the other hand, has had a mixed performance in the series. He has taken six wickets at an average of 55.16, with best figures of 3/128. Despite some moments of brilliance, he has struggled with consistency, bowling expensive spells at times.

As the fourth Test approaches, the selection of either Kamboj or Krishna could significantly impact the outcome of the match. With the series on the line, both players will be under pressure to deliver.