From Domestic Star to National Hope: Is Anshul Kamboj the Next Bumrah or Zaheer?

Anshul Kamboj is fast emerging as a promising new name in Indian cricket. With consistent performances in domestic cricket, he has caught the attention of selectors and experts alike. Recently, veteran all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin praised the young pacer, stating that Anshul belongs to a special breed of bowlers—those who don't just rely on pace or swing, but bowl with intelligence and strategic planning. Ashwin compared him to India's legendary pacers Zaheer Khan and Jasprit Bumrah.

According to Ashwin, Anshul is a “planning bowler” who adapts his approach based on the match situation and executes deliveries with tactical precision. “Bowlers like him are invaluable. They know exactly what to do and how to deceive a batter,” Ashwin remarked.

Ahead of the fourth Test against England, Anshul has been called up to the Indian squad as a backup, with frontline pacers Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep nursing injuries. His inclusion reflects the team management’s growing trust in his potential.

Anshul's domestic record speaks volumes. In the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy, he grabbed 10 wickets in a single innings—an extraordinary feat. So far, he has picked up 79 wickets in first-class cricket, with an impressive average under 22, establishing himself as a serious threat to any opposition.

As Indian cricket steps into a new era, Anshul Kamboj could well become the leader of the next generation of pacers after Bumrah and Siraj. However, experts believe that to succeed on the international stage, he must also develop the mental resilience needed to thrive under pressure. All eyes are now on whether this young speedster can rise to the occasion if given the opportunity.