Key points
- Irfan Pathan has backed Anshul Kamboj as a potential contender for India's 2027 ODI World Cup squad if he continues producing consistent performances.
- Kamboj took 2/22 in 10 overs in India's first ODI against New Zealand in Auckland, sending down 46 dot balls.
- Pathan highlighted Kamboj's ability to bowl with the new ball, operate with the old ball and contribute at the death.
- Pathan specifically praised Kamboj's wide-yorker option from around the wicket, a skill he has shown while playing for Chennai Super Kings.
- Pathan said Kamboj's difficult Test debut should be viewed in the context of travel, recovery and the adjustment to conditions.
- Kamboj's first ODI appearance against the West Indies had been difficult: he conceded 82 runs in nine overs, including 42 runs to Shai Hope off 31 balls.
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has backed Anshul Kamboj as a potential contender for India's squad at the 2027 ODI World Cup, saying the selectors could be forced to consider the young fast bowler if he continues delivering consistent performances. Pathan's comments followed Kamboj's disciplined spell in the first ODI against New Zealand in Auckland, where the pacer returned figures of 2/22 from 10 overs.
Kamboj's performance came in India's five-wicket victory in a rain-affected match. He conceded only 22 runs and sent down 46 dot balls as New Zealand were restricted to 185. The spell offered a contrast to a difficult start to his ODI career and prompted Pathan to highlight the range of skills the bowler can bring to an attack.
Pathan points to an all-phase bowling skill set
Speaking in a video carried by ESPNcricinfo, Pathan said Kamboj had the ability to contribute at different stages of an innings. He highlighted the pacer's new-ball bowling, his work with the older ball and his death-over skills, including the ability to bowl wide yorkers from around the wicket.
Pathan said: “What I like about him that he can bowl with the new ball and has some good death bowling skill as seen with CSK.” He also noted that Kamboj had bowled with the old ball against New Zealand and could make the ball move off the surface. In Pathan's assessment, that combination gives the bowler several ways to contribute rather than limiting him to one phase of an innings.
The former India all-rounder added that continued performances could make Kamboj a serious name in the World Cup conversation. He said the pacer would move up the ladder if he maintained his current progress and that selectors could be compelled to consider him among the probables for the 2027 tournament.
A strong response after a difficult ODI debut
Kamboj's showing in Auckland followed a challenging first appearance in one-day internationals. On his ODI debut against the West Indies at New Chandigarh, he conceded 82 runs in nine overs. West Indies captain Shai Hope scored 42 of those runs from 31 balls, hitting six fours against the Indian fast bowler.
The contrast between that outing and the New Zealand performance was notable. In Auckland, Kamboj maintained control over his length and scoring opportunities, conceding just 2.2 runs per over across his 10-over spell. His 46 dot balls reflected the pressure he was able to build during the innings.
India's attack also received strong support from Arshdeep Singh and Gurnoor Brar. Arshdeep took four wickets, while Brar claimed 3/44 in 9.2 overs. Kamboj's two wickets and economical spell formed part of a collective effort that bowled New Zealand out for 185.
Pathan offers context on the Test debut
Pathan also addressed Kamboj's earlier Test experience, arguing that the circumstances around his debut should be considered. Kamboj had entered the Test side as an injury replacement and returned figures of 1/89 in 18 overs. Pathan said the fast bowler needed more recovery time after travelling before being asked to play Test cricket.
“It is not easy to play a Test match after travelling,” Pathan said, explaining that a bowler needs time to adjust to the climate, recover and prepare for the demands of the format. His comments were a reminder that a player's first result at international level does not necessarily provide a complete picture of his ability, particularly when preparation time is limited.
The point was relevant to Kamboj's progress because he had arrived in international cricket with strong domestic and IPL performances behind him. Pathan's assessment focused on allowing the young bowler to develop while judging him on a wider body of work rather than one difficult outing.
World Cup competition remains open
The 2027 ODI World Cup will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. With the tournament still ahead, India's fast-bowling options will continue to be assessed through performances in international cricket and the demands of the team's schedule.
Pathan's comments do not amount to a selection decision, but they place Kamboj among the emerging players being discussed as possible future options. The former all-rounder's argument is based on the variety in Kamboj's bowling: he can take the new ball, operate with the older ball and offer a death-bowling option, including wide yorkers.
For Kamboj, the immediate task is to build on the Auckland performance and show that he can reproduce that discipline across different conditions and opposition. His 2/22 spell has strengthened the conversation around his potential, but consistency over further matches will be central to any World Cup selection discussion.
What Kamboj's Auckland spell showed
The first ODI against New Zealand gave Kamboj an opportunity to demonstrate the control and versatility Pathan had identified. His figures of 2/22, the 46 dot balls and his ability to work with the older ball provided concrete evidence of the skills under discussion. The performance came after a difficult ODI debut and an earlier Test outing in which Pathan believes the circumstances deserved consideration.
India's 2027 World Cup plans will take shape over the coming months. For now, Pathan has made his view clear: if Kamboj continues to perform at the level he showed in Auckland, the selectors will have a reason to keep him in the conversation.
Frequently asked questions
What did Irfan Pathan say about Anshul Kamboj and the 2027 ODI World Cup?
Pathan said that if Kamboj continues producing performances like his spell against New Zealand, selectors could be forced to consider him among India's World Cup probables. He described the pacer as having the skills to contribute with both the new and old ball and at the death.
How did Anshul Kamboj perform in the first ODI against New Zealand?
Kamboj took two wickets for 22 runs in 10 overs in Auckland. He also bowled 46 dot balls, helping India restrict New Zealand to 185 in the rain-affected first ODI, which India won by five wickets under the DLS method.
What bowling skills did Irfan Pathan praise in Anshul Kamboj?
Pathan praised Kamboj's ability to use the new ball, bowl with the old ball and deliver at the death. He also highlighted Kamboj's wide yorkers from around the wicket and his ability to make the ball move off the surface.
Why did Irfan Pathan defend Anshul Kamboj's earlier Test performance?
Pathan said Kamboj needed more time to recover after travelling before making his Test debut. He noted that adapting to the climate, recovering from travel and preparing for the demands of Test cricket can take time for a fast bowler.
How did Anshul Kamboj perform on his ODI debut against West Indies?
Kamboj conceded 82 runs in nine overs on his ODI debut against the West Indies at New Chandigarh. Shai Hope scored 42 runs from 31 balls against him, including six fours, making it a difficult introduction to one-day international cricket.