Published: Jul 22, 2025, 02:35 PM (IST)
Edited: Jul 22, 2025, 02:35 PM (IST)
Ravichandran Ashwin compared Anshul Kamboj’s technical excellence to Zaheer Khan and Jasprit Bumrah’s meticulous planning, both of which went well beyond simply enjoying the game.
After injuries forced the withdrawal of all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy and pacers Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh from the squad, Kamboj was included in the Indian team for the fourth Test against England in Manchester.
“The appreciable thing about Anshul is that he understands the plan. I have seen so many fast bowlers if you ask them about the plan, they just say they want to express themselves and enjoy the game,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel,” Ash ki Baat.
“But Anshul understands plans and also knows how to execute in the middle.It’s not a trait many fast bowlers possess. Zaheer Khan was one of them. He was amazing,” he added
“In recent times, Jassi (Bumrah) is one player who understands the plans and executes them to perfection. Anshul belongs to that variety. I’m not comparing skills because skills are a very different thing,” he continued.
Before the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, the 24-year-old delivered consistent performances for India A against the England Lions. At Northampton and Canterbury, he claimed five wickets, demonstrating bounce and late movement.
“He has a very good tappa (right length). I have seen that in the IPL. His wrist position is very good, and he delivers a very upright seam. He never leaves his tappa with Bumrah and Siraj there, if you are bringing in Anshul Kamboj into the playing XI, I’m telling you, it’s a serious bowling” he said.
Ashwin believed Kamboj would be a great partner for Bumrah and Siraj in the fourth Test due to his exceptional form.
“If you are going to bring Anshul Kamboj into the XI, I am telling you this is a serious bowling attack.”
Kamboj took all ten wickets against Kerala in a Ranji Trophy match at Lahli last year, and Ashwin highlighted his standout performance in domestic cricket.
“People will say that Anshul will play his first Test. He hasn’t played in England, but he was there in the A tour. He has been in cracking form in first-class cricket. He is averaging around 13. He took 10 wickets in an innings,” he said.
Ashwin noted that Kamboj’s ability to deliver long spells would be useful in England.
“Anshul has a habit of bowling long spells. You need that in England. He will be a good foil for Bumrah and Siraj. Prasidh is an option, but I would go for Anshul. We were impressed with him. His wrist is really good,'” he said.
However, Ashwin pointed out that the team management would need to assist Kamboj in staying composed if he made his debut.
“One thing the management will have to look after is calm Anshul’s nerve,” he said.
India were 1-2 down in the five-match series. The fourth Test began on Wednesday in Manchester.
