India has struggled with injuries on its tour of England, particularly ahead of the fourth Test, which begins on Wednesday, July 23, at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester.
Nitish Kumar Reddy has been ruled out of the series with a left knee injury. Meanwhile, Arshdeep Singh will miss the fourth Test after suffering an impact injury to his left thumb while bowling in the nets during India’s first practice session after the heartbreaking 22-run defeat at Lord’s. Furthermore, Akash Deep is nursing a groin ailment sustained during the Lord’s Test.
Anshul Kamboj has been called up to cover Arshdeep in the fourth Test. However, Harshit Rana was brought in as a cover for the first Test. The Delhi pacer was discharged prior of the second Test after not being included to the playing XI.
Aakash Chopra questioned the Indian team management, led by Gautam Gambhir, for a lack of clarity and continuity.
The former India opener believes Rana should have replaced Kamboj to ensure continuity.
“It’s really interesting. There was a lot of discussion regarding Anshul Kamboj. He performed well for India A as well, but when the opportunity arose, the team management chose Harshit Rana first. Chopra remarked on his YouTube channel, “Anshul was sent back home, and now we’re learning his name again.”
“Harshit Rana is not present. Now you have to wonder what is going on. How do you decide who to keep and who to let go of? When it comes to India A performances, Anshul outperformed, but you kept Harshit Rana focused on continuity,” he explained.
While Chopra was not thrilled with the team management’s clarity and continuity, he did name Kamboj as a deserving candidate.
“If that’s the case, you should have kept Harshit Rana as well. However, Anshul Kamboj is present instead. “There is no clarity,” Chopra remarked.
“Maybe management knows, but no one is telling us anything. This comes as no surprise. Anshul Kamboj was deserving, and he is currently in the team,” he added.
Kamboj, who represented Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, has picked up 79 wickets from 24 first-class games at an average of 22.88 and a strike rate of 44.20.
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