‘I tried to quit cricket’: India’s bowling sensation Anshul Kamboj’s inspirational of journey of grit, heartbreak and glory

Started from a small village in Karnal, now standing tall on the grand stage of international cricket, Anshul Kamboj’s journey to his India Test debut is nothing short of a fairytale. The 24-year-old pacer from Haryana’s Fazilpur village finally donned the Indian whites in Manchester during the crucial fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England. 

But behind this moment of glory lies a tale of grit, heartbreak, and unwavering determination. From battling injuries that almost ended his career to working tirelessly in the shadows, Kamboj’s rise is a reminder that dreams, no matter how distant, can come true with hard work and faith.

The Road Less Traveled

Kamboj, who represents Haryana in domestic cricket, had impressed in the India A series against England Lions, scalping five wickets and outshining established names like Mukesh Kumar and Harshit Rana. But his path wasn’t easy. Drafted into the Indian squad after injuries to key pacers, Kamboj’s call-up came after he tirelessly honed his skills back home, practicing with Dukes balls he brought from the UK.

His coach Satish Rana recalls, “We left the rest in God’s hands. He was ready, and we always believed he’d get his chance because of his hard work and strong domestic performances.”

A Career Almost Lost

The pacer’s journey almost ended prematurely. A severe injury before the 2020 U-19 World Cup left him demoralised. Missing the tournament, often seen as a launchpad for future stars, was a bitter pill. But Kamboj chose to fight. Last year, he became only the third bowler in Ranji Trophy history to take all 10 wickets in an innings, recording a stunning 10/49 against Kerala.

A Call Before the Big Day

Hours before his debut, Kamboj rang his coach for final words of wisdom. “I told him to give his 100 percent, and he assured me he would,” said Rana.

As Kamboj steps onto the field in Manchester, his journey stands as a testament to resilience, hard work, and the belief that dreams do come true even if the road is rough.