Gavaskar praises Kamboj’s improved pace in NZ

At Eden Park in Auckland on November 4, 2026, Anshul Kamboj produced a remarkable bowling display in the first ODI between New Zealand and India. The Indian pacer claimed two wickets while conceding just 22 runs across his full 10-over spell, an economy rate of 2.20 that included 46 dot balls and two maiden overs. His performance earned him the Player of the Match award and marked the fewest runs conceded by any Indian bowler in a complete 10-over ODI spell since 2016.

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar analysed Kamboj’s bowling and highlighted the significant improvement in his pace and overall fitness levels. Gavaskar noted that Kamboj had opened his spell with a maiden over and maintained exceptional quality throughout the match.

“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,” Gavaskar said on Sony Sports.

How did Kamboj’s pace improve from England to New Zealand?

Gavaskar examined Kamboj’s line and length strategy during the match, observing that the bowler maintained a disciplined approach by targeting specific areas of the crease. The former captain noted that this consistency, combined with Kamboj’s improved confidence, had directly contributed to his increased pace.

“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 said.

The pitch and ground conditions at Eden Park provided natural assistance to the bowlers, according to Gavaskar’s assessment. The New Zealand venue offered movement and bounce that made batting difficult, particularly against a bowler executing his plans as effectively as Kamboj.

“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,” Gavaskar said.

What was Kamboj’s bowling strategy in the match?

Gavaskar also reflected on how modern batting approaches in ODI cricket have evolved, which contributed to the challenge Kamboj posed. The former captain observed that contemporary batters have adopted different strategies compared to earlier eras of 50-over cricket, making Kamboj’s restrictive bowling even more valuable.

“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,” Gavaskar said.

Gavaskar also praised Kamboj’s approach to his bowling strategy and the value of consistency in creating pressure on the opposition. The former captain noted that Kamboj focused on maintaining a steady line and length rather than attempting variations, allowing pressure to build on the batting side.

“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 said.

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