Cricket legend R Ashwin is highly impressed by young pacer Anshul Kamboj, suggesting his inclusion would significantly strengthen India’s Test bowling attack.
A New Face in India’s Pace Lineup
As India prepares for the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford, attention is turning to potential debutant Anshul Kamboj. The Haryana pacer was a late call-up, stepping in after injuries sidelined Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh.
Kamboj’s potential debut comes amidst a challenging situation for India’s pace battery. With senior bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj leading the attack, Kamboj could provide crucial support, with a toss-up between him and Prasidh Krishna for the final spot.
Ashwin Praises Kamboj’s Unique Skillset
Former India off-spinner R Ashwin, Kamboj’s teammate at Chennai Super Kings, has openly praised the young bowler’s abilities. On his YouTube channel, Ashwin highlighted Kamboj’s exceptional understanding of game plans and execution.
“An enjoyable and appreciable thing about Anshul Kamboj is that he understands the plan,” Ashwin stated. He noted that this trait is rare, even among experienced bowlers with 30-40 Tests under their belt who often prioritize expressing themselves over executing strategy.
Comparisons to Bowling Greats
Ashwin drew parallels between Kamboj and former India greats known for their tactical brilliance. “Zaheer Khan was one of them. He was amazing. In recent times, Jassi (Bumrah) is one player who understands the plans and executes them to perfection. Anshul belongs to that variety.”
While clarifying he wasn’t comparing overall skills, Ashwin emphasized Kamboj’s natural ability to hit the right length (tappa) and deliver with an upright seam, a quality he observed during the IPL.
Building a “Serious” Bowling Attack
According to Ashwin, pairing Kamboj with established speedsters like Siraj and Bumrah could create a formidable bowling unit. “Looking at how Siraj and Bumrah bowled, if you bring Anshul Kamboj in, I’m telling you that is a serious bowling attack.”
He also pointed to Kamboj’s excellent first-class form, where he has taken 55 wickets in just 11 matches since the 2024-25 season, including a rare 10-wicket haul in the Ranji Trophy. This strong domestic performance, coupled with his ability to bowl long spells, makes him well-suited for English conditions.
The Road Ahead
Reports suggest that Anshul Kamboj is indeed the firm favourite to make his Test debut. He is expected to join the pace attack alongside Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and potentially Shardul Thakur, as India aims to level the series 2-2.
- R Ashwin strongly endorses Anshul Kamboj for his potential Test debut.
- Kamboj is praised for his rare ability to understand and execute bowling plans effectively.
- Ashwin believes Kamboj would form a “serious bowling attack” with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.
- Kamboj’s impressive first-class record and ability to bowl long spells make him a strong candidate.
All eyes will now be on Old Trafford to see if Anshul Kamboj gets the nod and makes his mark on the international stage.
