Anshul Kamboj, the Haryana fast bowler, unleashed a devastating spell on Thursday, claiming all eight wickets to fall in his side’s Ranji Trophy match against Kerala at the Chaudhary Bansi Lal Stadium.
Kamboj, known for his restless energy on the field, channeled his intensity into his bowling, hustling the Kerala batters with his pace and accuracy. The 23-year-old started the day with three wickets and added five more, leaving the Kerala batting order in tatters.
“Yesterday we bowled a little too outside the off stump. We could have had more wickets, considering the way the ball was moving. So, today I bowled a little straighter so that the batter plays every ball,” said Kamboj after the day’s play.
With Kerala down to its last two wickets, Kamboj now has a glorious chance to enter the history books. Only two players have ever achieved the feat of taking all 10 wickets in a Ranji Trophy innings – Bengal’s Premangsu Chatterjee in 1957 and Rajasthan’s Pradeep Sunderam in 1985.
Kamboj is candid enough to admit that the possibility of a ten-wicket-haul entices him. “Since such a situation [ten wickets] doesn’t come very often, I will try to get two more wickets. But if the team is getting the wickets, I am equally happy,” said Kamboj with a nervous smile.
Kamboj’s performance has not only put Haryana in a commanding position in the match but has also brought him into the limelight. The young fast bowler has been making waves in domestic cricket with his impressive pace and wicket-taking ability.
If Kamboj can complete the ten-wicket-haul, he will not only etch his name in the history books but also boost his chances of a call-up to the Indian national team. The Indian team is currently in search of a young and talented fast bowler who can provide them with the cutting edge in international cricket.
