'Selectors could be forced to think': Irfan Pathan backs Anshul Kamboj for 2027 ODI World Cup
toi
newspoint|05-11-2026
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes Anshul Kamboj has the potential to become a contender for India's 2027 ODI World Cup squad, suggesting that consistent performances could make it difficult for the selectors to overlook the young fast bowler.
Kamboj impressed with the ball in India's five-wicket victory over New Zealand in the rain-affected first ODI at Auckland on Wednesday. Making good use of the seaming conditions, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) pacer returned figures of 2/22 from his 10 overs, sending down an impressive 46 dot balls.
His disciplined effort played an important role in restricting New Zealand to 185. Arshdeep Singh led the attack with four wickets, while Gurnoor Brar picked up three as India bundled out the hosts.
India subsequently chased down the revised target of 143 in 22.4 overs, with Virat Kohli leading the way through an authoritative 74 off 51 deliveries.
Speaking in a video by Cricinfo, Pathan backed Kamboj to make further progress, pointing out that his difficult introduction to international cricket should be viewed in the context of the circumstances surrounding his debut.
The former all-rounder felt Kamboj had not been given sufficient recovery time after travelling before being pushed into Test cricket. The fast bowler made his Test debut last year as an injury replacement but endured a difficult outing, managing just one wicket while conceding 89 runs in 18 overs at an economy rate of nearly five.
Pathan stressed that adjusting to different conditions, recovering from travel and preparing for the demands of Test cricket can take time for a fast bowler.
"He will be one of the bowlers for sure. What happened during the Test match, we have to understand. It is not easy to play a Test match after travelling. For any bowler to get adjusted to the climate, recovery and then go from there, it takes time. Anshul that time, needed more time to play Test cricket," he said.
Pathan also highlighted Kamboj's versatility, particularly his ability to contribute with both the new and old ball. He pointed to the pacer's death-bowling skills, including his ability to deliver wide yorkers from around the wicket, which he has demonstrated while representing CSK.
According to Pathan, having multiple skills at his disposal makes Kamboj a valuable option for the future. He also backed the youngster to climb the ranks if he continues delivering performances like the one against New Zealand.
"What I like about him that he can bowl with the new ball and has some good death bowling skill as seen with CSK. He can come round the wicket and bowl the wide yorkers. He bowled with the old ball in this match (against NZ in 1st ODI). He has that package, with the old ball, new ball and can nibble the ball too. He will go up the ladder as far as future is concerned. You would not be surprised if he keeps going like this, selectors would be forced to think about him as one of the WC probables. He is definitely one of them," he added.
Kamboj's performance in Auckland comes after a challenging start to his international career, with his domestic and IPL performances having raised expectations before his India debut.
His first ODI appearance against the West Indies at New Chandigarh was particularly difficult. The pacer conceded 82 runs in nine overs, with West Indies captain Shai Hope doing much of the damage. Hope scored 42 runs off 31 deliveries against Kamboj, including six fours.
However, the disciplined showing against New Zealand offered a reminder of his bowling capabilities. With the ability to operate across different phases of an innings, Kamboj has now given himself an opportunity to strengthen his case for a longer run in India's ODI setup, with the 2027 World Cup on the horizon. The tournament will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Kamboj impressed with the ball in India's five-wicket victory over New Zealand in the rain-affected first ODI at Auckland on Wednesday. Making good use of the seaming conditions, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) pacer returned figures of 2/22 from his 10 overs, sending down an impressive 46 dot balls.
His disciplined effort played an important role in restricting New Zealand to 185. Arshdeep Singh led the attack with four wickets, while Gurnoor Brar picked up three as India bundled out the hosts.
India subsequently chased down the revised target of 143 in 22.4 overs, with Virat Kohli leading the way through an authoritative 74 off 51 deliveries.
Speaking in a video by Cricinfo, Pathan backed Kamboj to make further progress, pointing out that his difficult introduction to international cricket should be viewed in the context of the circumstances surrounding his debut.
The former all-rounder felt Kamboj had not been given sufficient recovery time after travelling before being pushed into Test cricket. The fast bowler made his Test debut last year as an injury replacement but endured a difficult outing, managing just one wicket while conceding 89 runs in 18 overs at an economy rate of nearly five.
Pathan stressed that adjusting to different conditions, recovering from travel and preparing for the demands of Test cricket can take time for a fast bowler.
"He will be one of the bowlers for sure. What happened during the Test match, we have to understand. It is not easy to play a Test match after travelling. For any bowler to get adjusted to the climate, recovery and then go from there, it takes time. Anshul that time, needed more time to play Test cricket," he said.
Pathan also highlighted Kamboj's versatility, particularly his ability to contribute with both the new and old ball. He pointed to the pacer's death-bowling skills, including his ability to deliver wide yorkers from around the wicket, which he has demonstrated while representing CSK.
According to Pathan, having multiple skills at his disposal makes Kamboj a valuable option for the future. He also backed the youngster to climb the ranks if he continues delivering performances like the one against New Zealand.
"What I like about him that he can bowl with the new ball and has some good death bowling skill as seen with CSK. He can come round the wicket and bowl the wide yorkers. He bowled with the old ball in this match (against NZ in 1st ODI). He has that package, with the old ball, new ball and can nibble the ball too. He will go up the ladder as far as future is concerned. You would not be surprised if he keeps going like this, selectors would be forced to think about him as one of the WC probables. He is definitely one of them," he added.
Kamboj's performance in Auckland comes after a challenging start to his international career, with his domestic and IPL performances having raised expectations before his India debut.
His first ODI appearance against the West Indies at New Chandigarh was particularly difficult. The pacer conceded 82 runs in nine overs, with West Indies captain Shai Hope doing much of the damage. Hope scored 42 runs off 31 deliveries against Kamboj, including six fours.
However, the disciplined showing against New Zealand offered a reminder of his bowling capabilities. With the ability to operate across different phases of an innings, Kamboj has now given himself an opportunity to strengthen his case for a longer run in India's ODI setup, with the 2027 World Cup on the horizon. The tournament will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
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