Amidst criticism surrounding Anshul Kamboj's debut performance in the ongoing Test match against England, Indian cricket legend Kapil Dev has come out in strong support of the young bowler, urging fans and critics to temper their expectations. Kamboj, who replaced injured frontline pacers, experienced a mixed start, taking 1 wicket for 89 runs in 18 overs.
Kapil Dev, known for his straightforward opinions, questioned the unrealistic expectations placed on debutants. "What do you expect from a debutant, that he should take 10 wickets?" he remarked, emphasizing the need to provide young players with time and space to develop at the international level. He argued that newcomers are bound to make mistakes and that these experiences are crucial for their learning process.
Several factors contributed to the scrutiny of Kamboj's performance. Ravichandran Ashwin noted Kamboj's slower bowling speeds compared to his performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Ashwin expressed surprise that over 55% of Kamboj's deliveries in the IPL exceeded 135 kmph. During his debut, Kamboj's average speed on the second day was 128.26 kph, further decreasing to 125.34 kph on the third day.
Adding to the concerns, reports suggest that Kamboj might have been carrying a shin injury sustained during India A's tour of England prior to the Test series. This injury could have potentially affected his performance and contributed to the lack of pace observed in his bowling.
However, Kapil Dev also indirectly criticized the team management, including head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill. While not explicitly blaming them, his comments suggested that the leadership could have managed Kamboj's introduction to Test cricket more effectively. Some observers questioned the decision to hand Kamboj the new ball ahead of experienced bowlers like Mohammed Siraj. Furthermore, the handling of Kuldeep Yadav's omission from the team also drew criticism, highlighting potential strategic missteps.
Despite the criticisms, Kamboj himself has displayed a positive attitude and a willingness to learn. Following his debut, he acknowledged that he was "not fully satisfied" with his bowling and expressed his determination to improve. He emphasized his focus on hitting the right areas and revealed that he is learning from experienced bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.
Kamboj's journey to the Indian Test team has been marked by impressive performances in domestic cricket. He has taken 79 wickets in 24 first-class matches at an average of 22.88. His domestic form earned him a spot with the Mumbai Indians in the 2024 IPL season and a lucrative contract with the Chennai Super Kings for IPL 2025.
Ultimately, Kapil Dev's defense of Anshul Kamboj underscores the importance of patience and understanding when evaluating young players entering the international arena. While acknowledging the need for improvement, he cautioned against harsh judgments and called for a supportive environment to nurture talent. Kamboj's debut, though challenging, provides a foundation for growth, and with the right guidance, he has the potential to evolve into a valuable asset for Indian cricket.
