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Debut Coincidence To 10-Wicket Haul: Anshul Kamboj's 3 Similarities With Anil Kumble

Soumyajit Dutta

Anil Kumble and Anshul Kamboj [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X.com]Anil Kumble and Anshul Kamboj [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X.com]

Manchester awaits a new chapter in Indian cricket as Anshul Kamboj prepares to step onto the hallowed turf for his Test debut, donning the coveted India whites for the first time. The Haryana pacer, fresh off his stint with Chennai Super Kings, seizes a golden opportunity born from the unfortunate injuries to Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh.

While Kamboj carries his own dreams onto the field, his journey begins under a fascinating shadow. Anil Kumble, India's spin maestro, also launched his illustrious Test career on English soil. 

As Anshul Kamboj embarks on his own path mirroring Kumble's debut stage, here are three striking similarities that link the young speedster's big breakthrough to the great spinner's iconic beginnings.

1) Both had a 10-wicket haul in an innings in First-Class cricket

Anil Kumble etched his name into cricketing immortality during the 1999 Delhi Test against Pakistan. His astonishing figures of 10/74 in the fourth innings remain one of Test cricket's rarest feats, only the second bowler ever to claim all ten wickets in a single Test innings, securing a famous Indian victory.

Meanwhile, Anshul Kamboj announced his arrival emphatically in the 2024 Ranji Trophy. Representing Haryana against Kerala in Lahli, the fiery pacer produced a sensational spell, capturing all ten wickets for just 49 runs (30.1-9-49-10). This monumental achievement made him only the third bowler ever to take 10 wickets in a Ranji Trophy innings.

2) Both have initials 'AK'

Anshul Kamboj, currently 24 years old and born in Karnal, steps onto the Manchester field for his Test debut proudly bearing the initials 'AK' on his India whites, mirroring the legendary Anil Kumble's own debut identifier decades earlier. 

Just as Kumble's iconic No. 37 jersey became synonymous with his spin wizardry, Kamboj dons No. 47, signalling a new pace-powered chapter under the same revered initials. 

3) Debut on the same ground (Manchester)

Anil Kumble's Test debut at Manchester in 1990 announced a future legend. The 19-year-old leg-spinner claimed 3/105 in England's mammoth first-innings total of 519, dismissing Mike Atherton (131), Allan Lamb (38), and Angus Fraser. Though overshadowed by Sachin Tendulkar's maiden century, Kumble's control and subtle variations hinted at his match-winning potential on a challenging English deck.

Thirty-five years later, Anshul Kamboj steps onto the same historic turf for his Test debut. With India losing the toss and being inserted to bat under overcast Manchester skies, the Haryana speedster awaits his moment. Pressure mounts, but Kamboj carries the 'AK' legacy – ready to unleash pace where Kumble first spun his magic.