World Cup Bound? Irfan Pathan Hails Anshul Kamboj's Masterclass in Auckland
Irfan Pathan believes Anshul Kamboj's brilliant spell in Auckland could make him a key contender for the 2027 World Cup squad.
Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has thrown his weight behind Anshul Kamboj, suggesting that the seamer's recent brilliance against New Zealand could make him an unavoidable choice for the national selectors. After a stellar performance in the first ODI at Auckland, Pathan believes that if Kamboj maintains this trajectory, he could firmly cement his place as a probable for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup.
A Redemption Story in Auckland
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) star turned the tide of his international narrative in New Zealand. In a rain-curtailed first ODI, Kamboj embraced the seaming conditions of Auckland to deliver a clinical spell of 2/22 across 10 overs. His control was exemplary, recording a staggering 46 dot deliveries, proving that he has the temperament to thrive on the big stage.
This performance comes as a significant turnaround for Kamboj, who had previously struggled to live up to the hype of his domestic and IPL success during his initial international outings. His ODI debut in New Chandigarh had been a nightmare, where he was hammered for 82 runs in nine overs, with West Indies captain Shai Hope alone plucking 42 runs off just 31 balls.
Pathan Defends Early Struggles
Analyzing the journey in a video for Cricinfo, Irfan Pathan addressed Kamboj's underwhelming Test debut last year, where he conceded 89 runs for a single wicket over 18 overs. Pathan argued that the circumstances were unfair to the youngster.
"What happened during the Test match, we have to understand. It is not easy to play a Test match after travelling. For any bowler to get adjusted to the climate, recovery and then go from there, it takes time. Anshul that time, needed more time to play Test cricket," Pathan explained.
The Complete Package
Pathan highlighted that Kamboj possesses a rare versatility that makes him a valuable asset for any captain. He praised the seamer's ability to handle different phases of the game, noting his skill with both the new and old ball.
Specifically, Pathan pointed to Kamboj's death bowling capabilities witnessed with CSK, mentioning his ability to bowl wide yorkers from around the wicket. According to Pathan, the ability to "nibble" the ball combined with his variety means he is destined to climb the ranks of the Indian bowling hierarchy.
The Road to 2027
With the 2027 World Cup set to be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, India is looking for sustainable bowling options. Pathan believes Kamboj fits the bill perfectly.
"You would not be surprised if he keeps going like this, selectors would be forced to think about him as one of the WC probables. He is definitely one of them," Pathan concluded.
India's Dominance in the First ODI
Kamboj's efforts were part of a larger team success in Auckland. India dismantled New Zealand's batting lineup for 185, with Arshdeep Singh leading the charge with four wickets and Gurnoor Brar contributing three wickets (3/44).
The victory was sealed by a commanding performance from Virat Kohli, who smashed 74 off 51 balls, including 13 boundaries. Despite rain interruptions, India comfortably chased down a revised target of 143 runs in 32 overs to take the lead in the five-match series.