CSK Fast Bowler Summoned to Indian Squad as Arshdeep Singh Injures Bowling Hand on England Tour

Team India has experienced an unexpected crisis before the fourth Test match of Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series in England. Fast bowler Arshdeep Singh has been ruled out of Manchester Test due to a bowling hand injury. As per sources, Arshdeep injured his hand during a nets session and required stitches and hence is out of contention for the next match. In reaction to this unexpected loss, the BCCI has summoned young Chennai Super Kings bowler Anshul Kamboj to fill the slot as a reserve player. The selection committee took a quick call to avoid the team from lacking bowling resources.

Anshul Kamboj of CSK who played in the IPL 2025 season has been in good form in matches recently and was already in the focus of the selectors. His excellent performances throughout the unofficial India A vs England A Test matches were instrumental in his selection. Kamboj impressed all with his precise bowling and also demonstrated that he can make a contribution with the bat which makes him a good asset. The management of the team and particularly head coach Gautam Gambhir have been interested in players who have something to give with two skills and that has gone in Kamboj's favour.

With Jasprit Bumrah's fitness still to be confirmed for the fourth Test match at Old Trafford the inclusion of Kamboj becomes all the more necessary. Bumrah was only to play three out of the five matches to balance his workload. He played in the first Test and took a five-wicket haul before sitting out the second Test. In his absence Akash Deep had been included. Bumrah came back for the third Test and again gave a five-wicket performance in the second innings but India lost the match by just 22 runs despite his performance.

The team now has some pace bowlers to pick from like Shardul Thakur and Prasidh Krishna but with Arshdeep ruled out and Bumrah rested for alternate games, the addition of Anshul Kamboj provides the team with greater flexibility. Kamboj's ball-swinging skills in English conditions can be extremely valuable. Although he is fresh to the international scenario he has played sufficient domestic and A-level cricket to grasp the pressure of high-stakes matches.

Arshdeep Singh, who has been a part of India's white-ball arsenal for a while now, continues to wait for his Test call-up. Until now he has appeared in 8 One Day Internationals and 63 T20 Internationals and also played 21 First-Class matches. His net injury occurred at a time when he was seriously being thought about for Test team selection. Unfortunately this untimely injury could further postpone his debut. His bowling hand has been injured and stitches were required which makes it difficult for him to bowl without discomfort and adequate recovery time will be crucial.

So far, Kamboj's career has been promising. Representing Haryana in domestic cricket and shining for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL provided him with an opportunity to display his ability in larger stadiums. His rapid ascension is one instance of how local performance and A-team tours prepare players for the seniors. Backed by head coach Gambhir for multi-skilled young cricketers like Kamboj, his opportunity to shine in the Indian dressing room has arisen at a highly critical juncture. He has now joined India's team and will probably be in the fray for the playing eleven if Bumrah is given a break for the Manchester Test.

There has been no confirmation yet from the BCCI regarding Arshdeep's replacement but sources reveal that Kamboj has already arrived in England and has begun training with the team. The squad planning for the fourth Test could be based on the look of the pitch and whether they need to play three pacers or two seamers and one additional spinner. If Bumrah is given rest and the pitch tends to swing, Kamboj may get a golden chance to debut at the Test level. He would be fighting with seasoned players like Shardul Thakur and Prasidh Krishna for that single position.

This unexpected injury to Arshdeep and the inclusion of a young player such as Kamboj demonstrate just how much teams need to have standby plans in place on long foreign tours. Injuries are unpredictable and having in-form match-ready players makes all the difference. Kamboj's selection will not only give him confidence but also injects new life into the team. It also sends a message to the other young players that good performances in domestic cricket and India A tours can get them into the national team at any time.