Anshul Kamboj, a Haryana pacer, etched his name into the history books on a recent Friday by becoming only the third bowler to take all ten wickets in an innings during a Ranji Trophy match. The 23-year-old achieved this extraordinary feat while representing his state team in their Group C clash against Kerala, hosted at the Chaudhary Bansi Lal Cricket Stadium on the outskirts of Rohtak. Kamboj concluded his incredible performance with figures of 10 for 49 in 30.1 overs, joining the elite ranks of cricketers who have accomplished such a rare bowling achievement in India’s premier domestic tournament.
This achievement places Kamboj in exclusive company, as only two bowlers have managed this feat in Ranji Trophy history before him. Premangshu Chatterjee of Bengal was the first, with a record-breaking 10 for 20 against Assam in 1956, followed by Pradeep Sundaram from Rajasthan, who recorded 10 for 78 against Vidarbha in 1985. These statistics highlight the rarity of the feat, making Kamboj’s achievement all the more remarkable in the modern era of cricket, where pitches and batsmen’s techniques often favor higher scores.
An interesting aspect of Kamboj’s journey is his recent stint with Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. Though he was an uncapped player and eventually not retained by MI, the experience of being in the IPL circuit provided him with exposure to high-stakes games and the opportunity to learn from some of the best in the business. Although his IPL journey with MI was short-lived, it set the stage for his impressive domestic season.
Kamboj’s rise to fame also included his representation of India A in the ACC Emerging Asia Cup held in Oman. His performances in the tournament were commendable, and his selection to play for India A underscored his growing reputation in the Indian domestic circuit. Notably, Kamboj’s excellent form continued as he emerged as one of the top wicket-takers in the tournament, showcasing his skill and consistency on foreign soil, which further proved his mettle as a pacer.
The Ranji Trophy match against Kerala saw Kamboj enter the third day with eight wickets already to his name, needing just two more to achieve the historic ten-wicket haul. With impressive precision and unrelenting pace, Kamboj dismissed Kerala’s Basil Thampi and Shoun Roger, completing his exceptional achievement. Kerala was subsequently bowled out for 291 runs in their first innings, largely due to Kamboj’s dominance over their batting lineup.
Kamboj’s remarkable season has seen him play a pivotal role in Haryana’s cricket successes. Earlier, he was instrumental in helping his team clinch the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he was among the leading wicket-takers with 17 scalps in just 10 matches. This tournament victory marked Haryana’s first Vijay Hazare Trophy title, and Kamboj’s consistent wicket-taking ability was a significant factor in their success. His reliability and ability to break partnerships have made him an indispensable asset to his team, both in limited-overs and First-Class formats.
Beyond the Ranji Trophy, Kamboj also left a mark in the Duleep Trophy, one of India’s oldest and most prestigious domestic cricket tournaments. In this season, he became the third pacer to record an eight-wicket haul in the Duleep Trophy, following in the footsteps of Debasis Mohanty, who achieved 10 for 46, and Ashok Dinda, who took 8 for 123. This consistency across different formats showcases Kamboj’s adaptability and skill in various game settings.
In First-Class cricket, achieving a ten-wicket haul is a rarity reserved for only the most exceptional bowlers. Including Kamboj’s recent achievement, only six Indian bowlers have managed this feat in First-Class cricket. Apart from Premangshu Chatterjee and Pradeep Sundaram, the list includes legends like Anil Kumble, who achieved 10 for 74 in an iconic Test match against Pakistan in 1999 at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium in Delhi. Subhash Gupte also features on this list for his 10 for 78 performance against a Pakistan Combined Services and Bahawalpur XI team in the 1954-55 season. Debasis Mohanty’s achievement of 10 for 46 in the Duleep Trophy in 2000-01 adds to this exclusive club.
For Kamboj, this 10-wicket haul serves as validation of his growth as a bowler, and it highlights the depth of talent in India’s domestic cricket structure. This achievement also underscores the value of patience and perseverance in a fast-paced cricketing world that often celebrates batsmen more than bowlers. While batting records often take the spotlight, Kamboj’s feat reminds fans and players alike of the magic that disciplined bowling can bring to the game.
With his recent achievements, Kamboj has emerged as a promising player with potential for future opportunities on larger platforms, possibly even the national team. His impressive form in domestic tournaments, coupled with his exposure in the IPL and the Emerging Asia Cup, makes him a player to watch. His skill in swinging the ball, combined with his pace, gives him the versatility needed to excel in varied conditions. As he continues to build on his bowling strength and consistency, Kamboj is likely to attract the attention of selectors who are on the lookout for reliable pacers in India’s cricketing setup.
In conclusion, Anshul Kamboj’s 10-wicket haul for Haryana is not just a personal milestone but also a significant moment in Indian domestic cricket. His performance in the Ranji Trophy, combined with his consistent performances across formats, positions him as a valuable asset in Indian cricket. As the season progresses, Kamboj will likely continue to shine, showcasing his potential to make a larger impact on the national and possibly international stages. His journey serves as an inspiration to young cricketers across the country, proving that dedication, hard work, and perseverance can lead to extraordinary achievements on the field.
