In what was a proud moment for Indian cricket, young pacer Anshul Kamboj made his much-anticipated debut in the ongoing Test series against England. However, despite the joy of donning the national jersey for the first time, the 24-year-old expressed disappointment with his own performance on Day 1, saying he was “not satisfied” with his bowling and expected much more from himself.
Anshul Kamboj’s Dream Debut Turns Into a Mixed Experience
After weeks of speculation and debate surrounding his selection, Anshul Kamboj finally got his maiden Test cap in the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford. Kamboj, who has been a rising star in the domestic circuit, was preferred over more experienced options, raising eyebrows in cricketing circles. However, head coach Rahul Dravid and chief selector Ajit Agarkar showed faith in the youngster — and the moment had finally arrived.
Wearing India’s whites for the first time, Kamboj bowled with purpose but struggled to make a significant impact on the flat Manchester surface. He bowled 14 overs on Day 1 and remained wicketless, conceding 54 runs. His lengths were inconsistent, and he often failed to extract bounce or movement, something he has excelled at in domestic cricket.
“Not Satisfied” – An Honest Admission From Anshul Kamboj
Speaking at the end of play, Anshul Kamboj candidly admitted, “I’m not satisfied with how I bowled today. My plan was to hit the right areas consistently and build pressure, but I couldn’t execute it the way I wanted. I felt I could have done better in terms of discipline and accuracy.”
This level of honesty from a debutant was refreshing and drew praise from senior players and cricket experts alike. In an era where players often look to sugar-coat poor performances, Kamboj’s openness was seen as a sign of maturity and his willingness to improve.
He added, “I’ve worked hard to reach here, and I know I have the skills. It’s just about controlling nerves, adjusting to the conditions, and sticking to the basics. Hopefully, I’ll bounce back stronger in the second innings.”
Pressure of Expectations and Selection Debate
Anshul Kamboj’s inclusion in the playing XI came after an intense debate, especially given the omission of seasoned campaigners like Mukesh Kumar and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy hero Akash Deep. Critics questioned the logic behind fielding an untested pacer in such a high-stakes match.
However, it was revealed by insiders in the Indian dressing room that the team management had been impressed by Kamboj in the nets, particularly with the way he reversed the old ball and delivered sharp bouncers. Along with his recent red-ball form, this was seen as the factor that tilted the balance in his favor.
Still, the pressure was enormous. Not only was Kamboj debuting in a series decider, but he also had to justify his selection amid media scrutiny. That may have played a role in his nervous start on Day 1.
Support from Senior Players and Team Management
Despite the underwhelming start, Anshul Kamboj has received backing from skipper Rohit Sharma and the coaching staff. Rohit said in the post-match presser, “It’s not easy for any bowler to make his debut in English conditions. Anshul showed good intent and we’re confident he’ll get better with every spell.”
Bowling coach Paras Mhambrey also stated that the management has a long-term vision for Kamboj. “We’ve seen his potential. One day doesn’t define a player. He’s got the tools to succeed at the highest level, and we’re backing him fully.”
Focus on Learning and Growth
While Day 1 may not have gone according to plan, Anshul Kamboj is clear about one thing — he wants to learn, grow, and make his mark in international cricket.
He concluded his statement with determination: “This is just the beginning. I’ve dreamt of playing for India since I was a kid. One bad day won’t stop me. I’ll go back, study my bowling with the coaches, and come back stronger.”
With the match still hanging in the balance, all eyes will be on Kamboj when he returns to bowl in the second innings. The Indian team would hope he channels this disappointment into performance and proves why the selectors trusted him.
Final Thoughts: A Rough Start, But Promise Remains
Debuts are always special, but they often come with high emotions and pressure. For Anshul Kamboj, it was a day of mixed feelings — pride in earning his first cap, but dissatisfaction with his performance. Yet, his honesty, mindset, and desire to improve show that Indian cricket may have unearthed a player with both heart and humility.
The road ahead is long, and if Kamboj can blend talent with temperament, his Test journey may only have just begun.
