Former India head coach Ravi Shastri believes young pacer Anshul Kamboj could play an important role in India’s upcoming two-Test series against New Zealand. The first Test will begin in Wellington on November 19.India have picked five fast bowlers in their 16-member squad for the series. They are Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep and Kamboj.Shastri feels the 25-year-old Kamboj has the qualities needed to succeed in New Zealand. He believes the Chennai Super Kings pacer can bowl long spells, keep things tight and support the other bowlers. Kamboj’s batting ability is another advantage.
Shastri sees Kamboj as a workhorse
Shastri feels India will need a bowler who can bowl long spells and hold one end during difficult periods, especially in New Zealand’s windy conditions.“In a country like New Zealand, in Test match cricket, you will need a workhorse, and I think he is the man who could be your workhorse – someone like a Kamboj, who can come and bowl you those 15 overs and block one end up, especially when the going gets tough, when it’s very windy and things of that sort,” Shastri said on the Sony Sports Network.“He can bat as well. So that comes in handy for Anshul. In the middle overs in a Test match or in an ODI game, you have got to have bowlers who have the ability to take wickets. Why India is 2-0 up is because of the performance of Anshul and Gurnoor Brar. In those middle overs where India normally go to spin to pick up wickets, it’s the fast bowlers who have done the job,” he added.“He comes across as a bloke who has done a lot of bowling in domestic cricket for Haryana and across formats. I think he will be very useful in these conditions. Sometimes you have got to pick blokes as horses for courses. He is the kind of guy who hits the bat. He is accurate,” Shastri said.
Kamboj impresses in ODIs after difficult Test debut
Kamboj’s selection comes after a difficult start to his Test career. He made his debut against England but managed only one wicket while giving away 89 runs in 18 overs. He was dropped after that performance. However, the pacer has made a strong comeback on the ongoing New Zealand tour.Kamboj made his ODI debut against the West Indies on October 3, 2026. He then impressed in the first ODI against New Zealand in Auckland on November 4, taking 2 wickets for 22 runs. His performance earned him the Player of the Match award. He continued his good form in the second ODI in Wellington on November 7, picking up 2 wickets for 25 runs.Shastri believes Kamboj’s ability to move the ball in both directions and trouble batters makes him a valuable option.“More importantly, if there is something there in the surface, the ball will nibble, he hits the bat, and he can get the ball to go both ways and surprise the batter. I think a welcome addition. You have got to build your bench strength as a fast bowling unit, and I think he is one of them. For New Zealand, South Africa, and England, he becomes a good choice,” Shastri said.
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