Auckland: Haryana pacer Anshul Kamboj delivered a resounding reply to his critics with a match-winning performance in the first One Day International (ODI) against New Zealand at Eden Park. Playing only his second ODI, the 25-year-old fast bowler was instrumental in bundling out the hosts for a mere 185 runs, ultimately earning him the Player of the Match award.
Kamboj was exceptionally economical, giving away just 22 runs in his quota of 10 overs while picking up two crucial wickets. Stifling the Kiwi batters in the middle overs, he bowled a staggering 46 dot balls. His disciplined spell perfectly complemented the aggressive bowling of Arshdeep Singh and Gurnoor Brar, who claimed four and three wickets respectively.
Indian captain Shubman Gill was full of praise for the young pacer, highlighting his ability to exploit New Zealand’s pace-friendly conditions. “Anshul is a bowler who is absolutely perfect for these conditions. He is always quick, tries to hit the seam, and is good with the old ball as well,” Gill stated during the post-match presentation. “We felt that even when the wicket wasn’t offering much help, he could generate that extra bounce. His pace and the way he bowled tonight were truly a treat to watch.”
For Kamboj, the stellar performance comes as a strong comeback following a rather expensive ODI debut. Unfazed by early criticism, the pacer maintained that a single difficult outing does not rattle his confidence. “One bad match does not define your career or decide whether you are a good or a bad player,” Kamboj asserted. “I have been doing the same things from the beginning, and I am still doing them. A bad match didn’t affect me much; rather, it motivated me to improve, work harder, and do better.”
Reflecting on his strategy at Eden Park, Kamboj emphasised the importance of discipline over desperation. Recognizing the seam movement available off the surface, he focused on hitting the right lengths consistently instead of simply hunting for wickets, a tactic that paid rich dividends for Team India.