Legend India player backs Anshul Kamboj and compares him to Zaheer Khan and Jasprit Bumrah

Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin recently compared young fast bowler Anshul Kamboj to Indian pace legends Zaheer Khan and Jasprit Bumrah. With the fourth Test of the India vs England series set to begin on July 23 at Old Trafford, Manchester, Kamboj has emerged as a strong contender for selection. After Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep were injured and ruled out, the 24-year-old pacer was included in the selection. There has been a great deal of intrigue in his selection, and many are keen to see what he does at the international level. 

Ashwin, who went with Kamboj for a couple of matches while at Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025, spoke highly of the youngster's maturity and cricketing intellect. He mentioned that Kamboj is aware of situations and bends his bowling based on the context of the match, likening his mind to that of Zaheer and Bumrah.  The veteran off-spinner believes Kamboj has tactical awareness and can stay calm under pressure, which makes him a great prospect for India in the difficult conditions of England. 

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“The most appreciable thing about Anshul Kamboj is that he understands the plan. I have seen so many bowlers who, even after playing 30–40 Test matches, still don’t understand the plan. If you ask them about the plan, they just say they want to express themselves and enjoy the game. Because they don’t understand the plan. That is one type of bowling. The other is bowling according to the plan. Anshul Kamboj understands the plan and also knows how to execute it in the middle. I have seen that. It’s not a trait a lot of fast bowlers have. Zaheer Khan was one of them—he was amazing. Jassi is another one. He understands the plan, makes plans, and executes them to perfection. Anshul Kamboj belongs to that variety,” said Ashwin on his YouTube Channel.

He has been in cracking form in first-class cricket: Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin acknowledged that Anshul Kamboj’s inclusion is likely to significantly boost India’s bowling attack. The experienced spinner mentioned that the young pace bowler stands out with both effort and precision, which could be vital in the next Test. Ashwin also examined Kamboj's performances in the recent past, saying that at present, he is a valuable weapon for the team. He emphasised that Kamboj’s ability to generate pace and movement would complement the existing attack well, adding that the youngster’s confidence and control could play a key role in India’s strategy at Old Trafford.

“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 attack. People can say that Anshul Kamboj will be playing his first Test. But he was there with India A. He has been in cracking form in first-class cricket. He averaged around 13 last season and even bagged 10 wickets in an innings. He had a kick-ass Duleep Trophy. Anshul Kamboj knows how to bowl a long spell. You need that in England. Anshul will be a really good foil for Siraj and Bumrah,” Ashwin concluded.