The making of Anshul Kamboj: From Glenn McGrath's speed tips to MS Dhoni's calmness mantra

Time of India

a day ago

NEW DELHI: "Agar aggression dekhna hai, toh Anshul Kamboj apni bowling se dikhayega England team ko. MS Dhoni and
ka combo pack hai woh [If you want to see aggression, Anshul Kamboj will show it to the England team with his bowling.
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He's a combination of MS Dhoni and Glenn McGrath]," an elated Satish Rana, Anshul's childhood coach, told TimesofIndia.com in an interview.
Satish's phone hasn't stopped ringing — multiple missed calls and a flood of messages — but the coach is entertaining everyone with a smile and energy in his voice. The 24-year-old Haryana pacer has been called up as cover for the final two Tests of the five-match series.
With left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh ruled out of the fourth Test after injuring his bowling hand during a training session, and Akash Deep picking up a groin niggle, along with allrounder Nitish Kumar Reddy being ruled out of the remainder of the series, speedster Kamboj is set to receive his maiden Test cap on Wednesday at Old Trafford in Manchester.
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Kamboj was with his family when his phone rang. It was the team management, ringing in to inform he was being added to the squad. Known for his calm and composed demeanour, Kamboj shared the news with his coach and went back to some bowling drills before flying to England.
"He came and met me. He was happy. Ek hi sapna tha uska — India ki Test jersey pehenna. Jab bhi puchta, kya karega — World Cup khelega? Kis bowler ki tarah banega? Killiyan ukhaadne pasand hai ya LBW? Hamesha ek hi baat bolta tha — 'Sir, pehle Test cricket khelna lambe samay tak.
Baaki sab mere liye next hai' [He had only one dream — to wear the India Test jersey. Whenever I asked him — will you play the World Cup? Which bowler do you want to be like? Do you like 'destroying' stumps or getting LBWs? He would always say: 'Sir, first I want to play Test cricket for a long time.
Everything else comes after that]," said coach Rana.
Anshul Kamboj (Special arrangements)
Before leaving for England, Kamboj visited the OPS Rana Brothers Academy in Karnal — where his cricket journey began at the age of 11 — bowed to the pitch, crouched and brought his forehead to it, and then set off.
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The fourth Test, which begins on Wednesday, is crucial for both teams. India can level the series or England can take an unassailable lead in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. And Kamboj will shoulder significant bowling responsibility alongside Jasprit Bumrah and
.
Kamboj was part of the India A squad that played two unofficial Tests ahead of the England series. He picked up four wickets in the second match in Northampton.
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"When he hit the nets and met everyone there, he called me. He said, 'Sir, I met Bumrah, I met Siraj.' Gautam Gambhir sir made him feel so comfortable in such a short time. Everyone welcomed him and became friendly very quickly. Gambhir told him, 'You are part of the team. Be calm and talk to everyone.' Soon, he had a chat with Bumrah and then Siraj. He also spoke to Prasidh Krishna and Akash Deep," Rana shared.
Anshul Kamboj (Special arrangements)
"Bolta hai wo, 'Sir, conditions pata hain mujhe.
India A khela hai maine wahan.' Wo desperate hai middle mein jaake apni team ke liye perform karne ke liye. Bachha hai, Gambhir sir aur Bumrah ka guidance mil raha hai usko. Usne dono se kaafi sawal kiye. Finally, wo wahi hai jahan hamesha se hona chahta tha [He said, 'Sir, I know the conditions. I've played there for India A.' He's desperate to get out there and perform for the team.
He's still a kid, and he's getting valuable guidance from Gambhir sir and Bumrah.
He asked them a lot of questions. Finally, he's where he always wanted to be]," Rana added.
"Gambhir sir ne usko red ball laake diya and bola 'go ahead' [Gambhir sir handed him the red ball and said, 'Go ahead']. That's how he started with the team. Aap dekhna kya karega wo Old Trafford mein. Main jyada hype nahi karna chahta. Sir jhukake coach aur seniors ki sunna, aur usko apne game mein apply karna — yeh Anshul ko aata hai. Acha ladka hai [Just watch what he does at Old Trafford.
I don't want to overhype it. But bowing his head, listening to coaches and seniors, and applying that in his game — that's Anshul's strength.
He's a good kid]," the coach said.
'Calmness like Dhoni, aggression like McGrath'
Kamboj also got a chance to learn from Australian fast-bowling legend Glenn McGrath during his time at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). From run-up to landing, generating pace and swing, hitting the deck, and maintaining the right line and length — Kamboj soaked in McGrath's advice like a sponge.
"He is a big fan of Glenn McGrath. Bowls just like him. He watches McGrath's videos, especially his wicket-taking spells, and tries to apply that in his own bowling. Meeting McGrath at the NCA was a dream come true for him. It changed his life and completely transformed his approach to bowling," Rana said.
"I remember him saying, 'McGrath sir says the smoother your action and release, the longer your career will be.' He really admires McGrath a lot," Rana added.
Anshul Kamboj (Special arrangements)
"Jaise McGrath ki aankhon mein aggression tha, waise hi iske eyes mein hai. Jitna eyes mein aggression hai, usse zyada bowling mein hai [Just like McGrath had aggression in his eyes, he does too. In fact, there's even more aggression in his bowling than in his eyes]," the coach said with a laugh.
The 24-year-old was part of the Mumbai Indians squad in 2024 and was later picked by Chennai Super Kings for the 2025 season. He played eight matches for CSK in IPL 2025 and claimed 10 wickets.
"He has learned the art of staying calm from MS Dhoni, especially under pressure. He's naturally a calm-headed person. Dhoni advised him to remain composed in all situations and never lose his cool. They even discussed playing Test cricket — Dhoni told him to stay fit and keep things simple," Rana revealed.
"Spending time at CSK taught him a lot. MS Dhoni has played a significant role in shaping his career," Rana concluded.