Medium-pacer Anshul Kamboj’s impressive performance in the Duleep Trophy has earned him praise and recognition. The 23-year-old was initially surprised by his selection but seized the opportunity to showcase his skills.
In the second-round match against India-B, Kamboj’s eight-wicket haul for 69 runs played a pivotal role in securing a significant first-innings lead for India-C. His maiden First Class five-wicket haul came on a batting-friendly wicket, highlighting his ability to adapt and excel in challenging conditions.
Kamboj’s bowling effort was particularly impressive considering the absence of pace spearhead Sandeep Warrier due to a hamstring injury. He and Vijaykumar Vyshak had to shoulder the extra workload, which they did with aplomb.
Despite having played only 13 First Class matches prior to the tournament, Kamboj displayed maturity and composure. He explained his strategy of bowling in front of the batters to increase the chances of lbw and bowled dismissals.
Among his wickets, Kamboj was particularly proud of dismissing Sarfaraz Khan, a renowned batsman in the domestic circuit. He credited his success to bowling in the right areas and maintaining consistency.
India-B skipper Abhimanyu Easwaran, who carried his bat with an unbeaten 157, expressed satisfaction with his ability to bat for an extended period after recovering from a hamstring injury. He emphasized the importance of spending time in the middle and gaining confidence for future matches.
Kamboj’s performance has not only earned him the Player-of-the-Match award but also raised hopes for his future prospects. His ability to perform under pressure and adapt to different conditions bodes well for his career.
