Anshul Kamboj, a towering right-arm medium-fast bowler from Haryana, is a name that echoes promise in Indian cricket. His high-release, hit-the-deck bowling style has turned heads in domestic circuits. Known for his steep bounce, pinpoint accuracy, and relentless consistency, Kamboj embodies the qualities of a classic Test seamer. His journey, marked by historic feats and raw potential, showcases a bowler ready to make his mark. Despite a challenging Test debut in England, his domestic heroics and unyielding spirit signal a bright future. With the Duleep Trophy on the horizon, Kamboj is poised to roar like a lion once again.
Domestic Dominance: A Record of Excellence
Kamboj’s First-Class record is a testament to his skill. In 25 matches, he has taken 80 wickets at an impressive average of 23.71. This showcases his ability to strike consistently. His crowning achievement came in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy. Against Kerala, he claimed all 10 wickets in a single innings with figures of 10/49. This rare feat made him only the third bowler in Ranji Trophy history to achieve it. It was a performance that lit up the cricketing world. His ability to dismantle an entire batting lineup on a challenging pitch speaks volumes about his talent.
The 2024 Duleep Trophy further highlighted his prowess. Representing India C, Kamboj emerged as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker. He scalped 16 wickets in just three matches. His standout spell of 8/69 against India B was a masterclass. On a flat pitch where his team scored 525, he dismissed key batsmen like Sarfaraz Khan and Rinku Singh. His ability to create opportunities on unresponsive surfaces shows his adaptability and skill. Kamboj’s domestic performances prove he is ready for bigger challenges.
His white-ball credentials are equally strong. In the 2023-24 Vijay Hazare Trophy, he played a pivotal role in Haryana’s maiden title win. He took 17 wickets, showcasing his big-match temperament. His versatility across formats adds depth to his profile. Kamboj’s domestic record is not just numbers—it’s a story of grit, growth, and greatness.
Biomechanical Brilliance: The Mechanics of Mastery
Kamboj’s bowling action is a blend of simplicity and effectiveness. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches, his tall frame is a natural advantage. His run-up is smooth and rhythmic. He avoids an exaggerated leap, which keeps his balance intact. This allows him to channel energy efficiently into his delivery stride. The hallmark of his action is his high arm position at release. This creates a steep angle, making the ball rise sharply off the pitch. Batsmen often find this bounce awkward, even on flat tracks.
His action is clean and repeatable. This ensures consistency over long spells, a vital trait for Test cricket. Kamboj’s non-bowling arm could improve, as it sometimes collapses early. This gives his action a slightly rushed look. Yet, this quirk can also hurry batsmen, adding an element of surprise. His wrist position is exceptional, delivering the ball with an upright seam. This allows him to extract movement off the pitch, a skill praised by legends like MS Dhoni. Kamboj’s mechanics are a foundation for success, blending natural gifts with technical precision.
The Art of Seam and Bounce
Kamboj is a seam bowler par excellence. Unlike swing bowlers who rely on air movement, he thrives on pitch deviation. His ability to maintain an upright seam is a key strength. The ball grips the surface, producing subtle lateral movement. This makes him lethal on pitches with even slight assistance. His deliveries hit the deck hard, generating steep bounce that challenges batsmen. This “heavy ball” effect is his signature, often compared to greats like Glenn McGrath, whom Kamboj idolizes.
In the Duleep Trophy, he bowled out or trapped batsmen lbw by attacking the stumps. His 8/69 spell included three bowled dismissals and two lbw wickets. This shows his ability to exploit the pitch’s natural characteristics. Kamboj’s accuracy is relentless. He consistently targets the off-stump corridor, forcing batsmen into errors. His seam presentation and bounce make him a nightmare on lively tracks, but his domestic success proves he can thrive on any surface.
Pace and Potential: Addressing the England Challenge
Kamboj’s Test debut in Manchester in July 2025 sparked discussion. His average speed hovered between 125-128 kph, slower than his usual 130-140 kph in the IPL. Critics, including Ravichandran Ashwin, noted this drop, questioning his fitness. However, context is key. Kamboj had suffered a shin injury during an India A tour in June 2025. With only a month’s recovery, he was likely not at his peak. Such challenges can affect any bowler, and Kamboj’s debut should not define him.
His IPL performances show his true pace potential. Bowling in the mid-130s with occasional bursts touching 140 kph, Kamboj has the raw speed to trouble international batsmen. His ability to bowl long spells, as seen in domestic cricket, suggests stamina is not an issue when fully fit. The England experience was a learning curve, not a limitation. With proper conditioning, Kamboj can consistently hit higher speeds. His pace, combined with his bounce and seam, makes him a potent Test prospect.
Physical Resilience and Workload Management
Fast bowling is physically demanding, and Kamboj’s injury history needs attention. His shin injury in 2025 highlights the strain his tall frame endures. The landing phase of his delivery stride places significant stress on his shin. This is common for high-release bowlers. However, his quick call-up to the Test team suggests resilience and a strong recovery mindset. The BCCI’s Centre of Excellence can play a pivotal role here. A tailored strength and conditioning program will build his physical foundation. This will help him withstand Test cricket’s rigors and prevent future injuries.
Workload management is crucial. Kamboj’s ability to bowl long spells is a strength, but it must be balanced. Overbowling risks fatigue and injury, especially for a young fast bowler. A structured plan, monitoring overs and recovery periods, will keep him fresh. His domestic success shows he thrives under pressure, but careful management will ensure longevity. Kamboj’s determination to return stronger for the Duleep Trophy reflects his mental toughness. He is ready to bounce back and dominate.
Test Cricket Fit: The Workhorse Seamer
Kamboj’s skill set aligns perfectly with Test cricket’s demands. His steep bounce and accuracy make him ideal for building pressure. He can play the role of a third seamer, bowling disciplined spells to support strike bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. Ashwin has compared him to Zaheer Khan and Bumrah for his ability to understand and execute plans. This tactical awareness sets him apart. His upright seam and consistent length ensure he remains a threat, even on flat pitches.
His domestic performances suggest he can excel on bouncy tracks like those in Australia or South Africa. His high release and “heavy ball” would trouble batsmen on hard surfaces. Even in India, where pitches often favor spin, his ability to hit the deck and extract bounce adds variety to the attack. Kamboj’s versatility and work ethic make him a valuable asset for India’s Test ambitions.
The Road Ahead: Roaring Back in Duleep Trophy
Kamboj’s Test debut may not have gone as planned, but it was a moment of growth. Every bowler faces setbacks, and Kamboj’s response is what matters. His domestic record and technical gifts prove he belongs at the highest level. The upcoming Duleep Trophy is his stage to shine again. Fully recovered and with renewed focus, he is ready to reclaim his form. His hunger to succeed, evident in his Ranji and Duleep Trophy heroics, will drive him forward.
The BCCI’s Centre of Excellence should prioritize his physical development. A stronger core and improved conditioning will unlock his full pace potential. Mentorship from bowling coaches and seniors like Bumrah can refine his skills further. Kamboj’s admiration for Glenn McGrath fuels his desire to perfect his craft. With his high release, seam movement, and relentless accuracy, he has all the tools to succeed.
A Star in the Making
Anshul Kamboj is more than a bowler—he is a story of perseverance and potential. His domestic dominance, highlighted by a 10-wicket haul and Duleep Trophy brilliance, showcases his talent. His high-release action, steep bounce, and seam mastery make him a unique prospect. The England Test was a hiccup, not a verdict. With the right support and conditioning, Kamboj will roar back. The Duleep Trophy awaits, and so does his destiny as India’s next great seamer. Watch this space—Anshul Kamboj is ready to conquer.
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