"In England, his speed was close to 127-130" - Sunil Gavaskar lauds Anshul Kamboj's spell in NZ vs IND 2026 1st ODI

Former India player Sunil Gavaskar has lauded Anshul Kamboj for bowling a potent and economical spell in the first ODI against New Zealand. He pointed out that the right-arm seamer's pace has increased since his Test debut against England.

Kamboj delivered a spell of 2/22 in 10 overs as the Kiwis were bowled out for 185 in Auckland on Wednesday, November 4. The Men in Blue then achieved the revised 32-over target of 143 with five wickets and 56 balls to spare.

During a discussion on Sony Sports, Gavaskar was asked about his thoughts on Kamboj's spell.

"He started with a maiden over. The ball is moving and going fast. We saw him last year in England. However, in England, his speed was close to 127-130. Now he is bowling at a speed of more than 135, which means his fitness has improved as well," he responded.

The former India captain praised the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) seamer for bowling an immaculate line and length.

"His speed has improved, and have a look at his line. He didn't bowl a single ball on middle and leg stump. He bowled on off-stump or outside off-stump. When you are in rhythm and have the confidence in your mind that you are not overstepping, your pace increases," Gavaskar observed.

Gavaskar added that Kamboj's increased pace and the seamer-friendly conditions in Auckland didn't allow the batters to hit him on the up.

"When you get the rhythm and find the right line and length, you bowl like this. Extremely impressive bowling because when he used to bowl earlier, it seemed like it was the right pace to hit on the up. It also makes a difference that you are playing in New Zealand, where the ball is moving a little. He is getting a little bounce, and it's seaming as well. So it's becoming difficult to play on the rise," he elaborated.

Anshul Kamboj registered figures of 1/89 in 18 overs in his debut Test in Manchester last year. He was criticized for his lack of pace after the England batters took him to the cleaners.

"In 2026, the batters' approach has changed totally" - Sunil Gavaskar on Anshul Kamboj's economical spell

In the same discussion, Sunil Gavaskar appreciated Anshul Kamboj for conceding only 22 runs in his 10-over spell.

"In 2026, the batters' approach has changed totally. The approach has changed in 2026 from when 50-over cricket started because of T20s. He gave only 22 runs and took wickets along with that," he said.

The former India opener added that the other bowlers also benefitted from Kamboj's consistent line and length.

"As he said, he didn't try to do anything different. When Simon Doull asked him, he said he just wanted to be consistent. Sometimes the bowler at the other end gets wickets because of the pressure that's created on the batters," Gavaskar observed.

Anshul Kamboj dismissed Mitchell Santner and Nathan Smith in the first ODI against New Zealand. Arshdeep Singh (4/70 in 10 overs) and Gurnoor Brar (3/44 in 9.2 overs) were the other successful Indian bowlers, with Daryl Mitchell being run out.

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