Star spinner R Ashwin has voiced concerns regarding the fitness and bowling speeds of his Chennai Super Kings teammate, Anshul Kamboj, during his India Test debut against England.
High Hopes Before Debut
Prior to the Manchester Test, Ashwin had publicly praised Anshul Kamboj, suggesting his inclusion could significantly strengthen India’s pace attack. He highlighted Kamboj’s “cracking form” in first-class cricket and his ability to bowl long spells, which Ashwin believed would be crucial in English conditions.
Ashwin even stated that Kamboj would be “a really good foil for Siraj and Bumrah,” emphasizing his belief in the young pacer’s potential to make a serious impact on the Test stage.
A Challenging Debut
However, Kamboj’s debut proved to be a difficult one. The 25-year-old struggled to maintain his pace, with speeds often falling below 130 kph. His inconsistent lengths added to the pressure on the Indian team.
By the end of Day 2, Kamboj had conceded 89 runs in 18 overs, bowling only one maiden over and picking up a solitary wicket. This performance stood in stark contrast to the expectations set before the match.
Ashwin Questions Fitness
Ashwin expressed surprise at Kamboj’s diminished speeds during the match. He noted that Kamboj had bowled considerably faster during the Indian Premier League (IPL) and hoped the pacer was “okay.”
Reports suggested Kamboj had returned home with a shin injury after an India A tour of England last month, which could potentially explain the dip in his pace. Ashwin’s observations further fueled these concerns regarding his physical condition.
The Path to Test Cricket
Kamboj earned his maiden Test cap on the back of an impressive domestic red-ball season. Since September 2024, he had accumulated 55 wickets in just 11 matches, including a notable 10-wicket haul against Kerala.
His strong first-class record made him a deserving candidate for the Test team, but the challenges of international debut seemingly highlighted underlying fitness issues.
The Need for a Deeper Talent Pool
For Ashwin, Kamboj’s struggles underscore a broader issue within Indian cricket. He stressed that the only lasting solution to recurring fitness concerns and inconsistent performances among bowlers is to cultivate a larger, more robust pool of talent.
This approach, Ashwin believes, would ensure that India always has a pipeline of fit and ready bowlers capable of handling the demanding rigors of international cricket.
- R Ashwin noted a significant drop in Anshul Kamboj’s bowling speeds during his Test debut.
- Kamboj struggled for pace and consistency, conceding runs freely against England.
- Ashwin had previously praised Kamboj’s potential, making his debut performance surprising.
- Concerns about a shin injury and the overall need for a larger pool of fit bowlers were raised.
Kamboj’s debut performance serves as a reminder of the immense physical demands of Test cricket and the constant need for optimal player fitness.
