Former India off-spinner R Ashwin believes that the uncapped Anshul Kamboj belongs to the uncommon breed of quick bowlers like Zaheer Khan and Jasprit Bumrah who aren’t solely skillful however have an understanding of plans that goes past simply attempting to “express themselves and enjoy the game”.
Kamboj was drafted into the Indian squad for the fourth Test towards England in Manchester after accidents to all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, and the tempo duo of Akash Deep, and Arshdeep Singh final week.
“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 stated 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.
“In current occasions, Jassi (Bumrah) is one participant who understands the plans and executes them to perfection. Anshul belongs to that variety. I’m not evaluating expertise as a result of expertise are a really totally different factor,” he added.
The 24-year-old impressed in the lead-up to the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, performing consistently for India A against the England Lions. Across four innings at Northampton and Canterbury, he picked up five wickets, showcasing late movement and bounce.
“He has an excellent tappa (proper size). I’ve seen that within the IPL. His wrist place is superb, and he delivers a really upright seam. He by no means leaves his tappa,” he said.
“With Bumrah and Siraj there, in case you are bringing in Anshul Kamboj into the taking part in XI, I’m telling you, it is a critical bowling.”
“Serious bowling assault”
Ashwin feels Kamboj, who has been in “cracking type” will serve as the perfect foil to Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj in the fourth Test.
“If you’re going to carry Anshul Kamboj into the XI, I’m telling you this can be a critical bowling assault.” He highlighted Kamboj’s domestic exploits, which included a 10-wicket haul in an innings against Kerala last year in a Ranji Trophy match at Lahli.
“People will say that Anshul will play his first Test. He hasn’t performed in England, however he was there within the A tour. He has been in cracking type in first-class cricket. He is averaging round 13. He took 10 wickets in an innings,” he said..
Ashwin added that Kamboj has the ability to bowl long spells, which will help in England.
“Anshul has a behavior of bowling lengthy spells. You want that in England. He shall be a great foil for Bumrah and Siraj. Prasidh is an choice, however I might go for Anshul. We have been impressed with him. His wrist is basically good,” he said.
However, Ashwin said that the Indian team management will have to calm Kamboj’s nerve should he make his debut.
“One factor the administration could have to take care of is calm Anshul’s nerve,” he said.
India are currently trailing 1-2 in the five-match series with the fourth Test slated to begin in Manchester on Wednesday.
