Picture Credit: X

Picture Credit: X

Akash Deep has recently injured himself in the groin area during the third Test, adding to the long list of injured player ahead of a Test match, about to get underway in England, but ultimately a contest that his team would definitely like to win against the mighty competitive side. India are desperately looking for a bit of a fighting chance of a comeback, having come so desperately close at Lord's and yet, managing to inch away their advantage, even as "Sir" Jadeja was the useful all round talent holding the fort so well there. Now as the 4th Test of the series looms large on the horizon, with another game to be played post the one at Old Trafford, India are desirous of a way to claw back into the series.

But can that happen? Will that happen? Even we as fans can only hope for the best possible outcome for the visiting side, some useful and timely measures have to happen. This could, in fact, mean getting someone like Anshul Kamboj, called in for the injured Akash Deep into the side. Let us visit the 3 reasons why Anshul Kamboj can be an ideal replacement for Akash Deep in fourth Test vs England.

Here are three reasons why Anshul Kamboj could be an ideal replacement for the injured Akash Deep:

First-class experience

Having bowled in as many as 41 innings of 24 first-class contests from which he's picked 79 wickets, Anshul Kamboj boasts of 10 for 49 as his best-bowling figures in a single innings. With 2 four-fors and 2 fifers, the right arm pace bowler is nippy and generally regarded by players and coaches at the domestic level. This is one of the 3 reasons why Anshul Kamboj can be an ideal replacement for Akash Deep in fourth Test.

IPL exposure

One of the 3 reasons why Anshul Kamboj can be an ideal replacement for Akash Deep in the fourth Test against England is the sheer amount of familiarity he has in competitive cricket. Even as the ongoing contests are all about red-ball cricket, Kamboj was last seen in action in any competitive series of repute during May in the IPL season of 2025.

Playing for the CSK unit, Kamboj took a brilliant 3-for against the Gujarat Titans. His best bowling performance at that time of 3 for 13 was lauded for it starring against a competitive IPL team.

Moreover, the fast bowler who also rounds up as a decent batter, has played for 2 IPL teams, having also represented Mumbai earlier. He's played eleven games bowling against different set of batters, all of which could come handy in this useful England experience if he is given a chance.

Giving the youngsters a fine exposure in away conditions

The Indian team right now is definitely dealing with a few injury concerns. But that doesn't mean that its set of youngsters can be any less effective as some of its mainstays in the Test side. Tall and accurate, Anshul Kamboj's best days are ahead of him. And considered as a highly talented pacer from Haryana, Kamboj could definitely come to the rescue of Team India, especially at a time when its in-form Akash Deep, who has bowled so very well in the recent two Tests, is struck with an injury.

One of the 3 reasons why Anshul Kamboj can be an ideal replacement for Akash Deep in fourth Test is that he brings the exhilarating talent of the youth, having had reasonable domestic experience. Moreover, he also bowled quite well against the England Lions in the contests held before the ongoing Test series. 

In Northampton, he bowled in both innings of the contest, picking up 4 wickets. Time to try him out for India's cause against England?

FAQs

What is the current status of Akash Deep in the England Test series?

Akash Deep has been ruled out of the fourth Test after Shubman Gill on teh eve of the Test confirmed in the pre-match press conference.

What does Anshul Kamboj's first-class record looks like?

Rising Indian fast bowler from Karnal, in India, Anshul Kamboj has picked 79 wickets from 24 first-class games and has even scored 486 first-class runs.