When R Ashwin speaks cricket, India listens—especially when he places a rookie pacer like Anshul Kamboj in the same category as legends Zaheer Khan and Jasprit Bumrah. Yes, you read that right.
As India prepares for a do-or-die fourth Test against England at Old Trafford, the buzz isn’t just about conditions or the top order—it’s about Kamboj, the uncapped speedster drafted in after a string of injuries to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Akash Deep, and Arshdeep Singh.
But what makes Kamboj so special? According to Ashwin—it’s not just about pace. It’s about plans.
🧠 Ashwin’s Take: Not Just Speed, But Smart Speed
Ashwin, speaking on his YouTube channel Ash Ki Baat, didn’t just heap praise on Kamboj’s bowling. He likened his approach to that of Zaheer and Bumrah—not for skill level per se, but for strategic execution.
“Anshul understands plans and knows how to execute them. That’s rare. Zaheer had it. Bumrah has it. Kamboj belongs to that variety,” said Ashwin.
For a young bowler to be called a “strategic seamer” by one of India’s greatest thinkers of the game? That’s not just flattering—it’s pressure-cooker level expectation.
📈 A Star Brewing in the Shadows
🔍 From Domestic Demolition to India A Standout
Before this England call-up, Kamboj was silently tearing up the domestic circuit. Remember the 10-wicket haul vs Kerala at Lahli in the Ranji Trophy? Or his performances for India A against England Lions, where he consistently extracted bounce and late movement?
Ashwin noted his upright seam, wrist control, and “never-miss length”—a deadly combo for English conditions.
Add to that his habit of bowling long spells, and suddenly Kamboj isn’t just another debutant—he’s a key piece of India’s fourth-Test puzzle.
🎯 India’s Bowling Attack: Suddenly Stacked with Threats
If team management includes Kamboj alongside Bumrah and Siraj, Ashwin calls it “a serious bowling attack.” And we can’t disagree. A right-arm quick who can think like a chess player? England’s top order better be careful.
💸 What Do the 188BET Odds Say?
As of Tuesday afternoon, 188BET released updated lines based on India’s reshuffled squad:
- India to Win: 2.05
- England to Win: 1.85
- Kamboj to Take 3+ Wickets in First Innings: 5.50
- Debutant to Be Player of the Match: 8.00
Considering the hype, those Kamboj odds might just tempt value hunters. If you’re betting on a narrative-driven outcome, this is it.
🧠 Pro Tip: Watch for live-betting swings once Kamboj starts bowling. His wrist position alone could cause a sudden odds spike.
(Bet responsibly.)
🧩 Calm the Nerves, Unlock the Beast
Ashwin did raise one cautionary flag: nerves.
“The management needs to calm Anshul’s nerves,” he warned.
And rightly so. Debuting in a Test match in Manchester, with the series on the line, isn’t your average start. But then again—legends are often born in chaos, aren’t they?
🙋 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Anshul Kamboj is a 24-year-old Indian fast bowler recently added to the squad for the 4th Test against England. He impressed in India A and domestic cricket.
Ashwin praised Kamboj’s understanding of bowling strategy—saying he belongs to the rare breed of pacers who plan and execute like Zaheer Khan and Jasprit Bumrah.
Kamboj has been dominant in first-class cricket, including a 10-wicket innings haul in Ranji Trophy and a strong India A tour against England Lions.
While not confirmed, injuries in India’s squad and his current form make his inclusion in the playing XI highly probable.
Kamboj is listed at 5.50 to take 3+ wickets in the first innings and 8.00 to be Player of the Match—a strong underdog value bet.
✅ Conclusion: Is Anshul Kamboj the Next Big Thing?
The jury’s still out, but the ingredients are all there. Line. Length. Intelligence. Endurance. And most importantly—belief from a veteran like R Ashwin.
Whether or not Anshul Kamboj lives up to the Zaheer-Bumrah comparison, one thing is certain: the fourth Test just got a whole lot more exciting.
👉 Don’t miss the action. Place your bets on 188BET and keep an eye on the most talked-about Indian debutant in years.
