Anshul Kamboj of Fazilpur, a small village in Haryana, has proved his ailing father’s faith true.
His father Udham Singh, who has been suffering from epilepsy for the last several years, always wanted his son to do wonders on the cricket field.
And now Anshul has done that, he has got a place in the Indian team for the Test match against England.
The matter started when Anshul was overweight. Father Udham Singh pushed him towards cricket to get fit.
Coach Satish Rana was asked to make Anshul bowl.
Udham Singh told TimesofIndia.com, “I just wanted to reduce his weight, I did not think that he would play for India.”
But as soon as Anshul held the bat and ball, cricket became his life.
Anshul’s big dream and challenge
Anshul’s journey was not easy. Injury ruled him out just before the Under-19 World Cup in 2020. At that time he was broken, he had even decided to quit cricket.
But his father encouraged him and said, ‘Beta, bas tappa pakad ke daalta reh’ (Son, just keep hitting the right length),”
And this thing touched Anshul’s heart.
He rocked domestic cricket. He created history by taking 10 wickets in an innings against Kerala in Ranji Trophy. He became the third bowler to do such a feat.
This performance got him a contract with Mumbai Indians in IPL. CSK coach Stephen Fleming and captain MS Dhoni also praised him.
Dhoni said, “Anshul’s ball hits harder than a speed gun.” Whereas, R Ashwin compared him to Zaheer Khan and Jaspreet Bumrah.
Anshul’s younger brother Sanyam said, “Papa’s illness had taken away his smile, but the news of Anshul’s selection made him smile again.”
The family is overjoyed, even though they could not bid farewell to Anshul when he left for Manchester.
Everyone was busy due to his mother’s kidney surgery, but celebrations are certain on his return.
Anshul’s hard work and determination have taken him to the Old Trafford ground.
“He never gives up,” says coach Satish.
Now, when he takes the ball against England, the Haryana lad is ready to make history with the support of his father and the inspiration of fellow Haryanvis like Neeraj Chopra.
