Irfan Pathan backs Anshul Kamboj for World Cup after standout spell against New Zealand

Irfan Pathan backs Anshul Kamboj for World Cup after standout spell against New Zealand

Irfan Pathan Backs Anshul Kamboj as a 2027 ODI World Cup Contender

India’s pace attack made an impressive statement in the first ODI against New Zealand, helping the Men in Blue secure a five-wicket victory and take a 1-0 lead in the series. Among the standout performers was Anshul Kamboj, whose disciplined spell earned him Player of the Match honours—and prompted former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan to name him as a possible contender for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

India bowled New Zealand out for 185 at Eden Park in Auckland, making effective use of the movement and bounce on offer. The result was especially encouraging for captain Shubman Gill, who was working with a relatively inexperienced group of fast bowlers. Arshdeep Singh was the most seasoned ODI pacer in the attack, but the unit delivered a composed performance when it mattered.

Pathan sees a complete skill set in Kamboj

Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Pathan said Kamboj could become one of the bowlers in contention for India’s squad at the 2027 ODI World Cup, scheduled to be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. He also urged observers to consider the circumstances surrounding Kamboj’s earlier Test appearance in England, arguing that the young seamer may have needed more time to adjust after travelling.

“He will be one of the bowlers for sure,” Pathan said, as quoted by The Times of India. He noted that adapting to a new climate, recovering from travel and preparing for the demands of Test cricket can take time. In his view, Kamboj’s difficult Test debut should not define his potential in the limited-overs game.

Pathan’s support is based on the range of roles Kamboj appears capable of handling. The former India pacer highlighted his ability to take the new ball, contribute with an older ball and execute yorkers at the death. He also pointed to Kamboj’s use of the wide yorker from around the wicket—an option that can be particularly valuable when batters are looking to target the closing overs.

“He has that package, with the old ball, new ball and can nibble the ball too,” Pathan said. He added that if Kamboj continues to perform, selectors may have to consider him among the World Cup probables. The 2027 tournament is still some distance away, but early performances can help players establish themselves in a competitive selection conversation.

A standout spell in Auckland

Kamboj’s performance in the opening ODI offered a strong example of why Pathan is optimistic. He finished with figures of 2 for 22 from his full 10-over quota, combining control with the ability to make life difficult for New Zealand’s batters. His economical spell helped India restrict the hosts to a total the batting side could chase down with five wickets in hand.

The figures were notable beyond the match result. Kamboj conceded just 22 runs in 10 overs, placing his effort among the most economical full-quota spells by an Indian fast bowler in men’s ODIs. Javagal Srinath’s 13-run performance at Auckland remains the benchmark cited in the report, while Kamboj’s figures were also described as the fewest conceded in a 10-over spell in men’s ODI cricket since 2016.

Such numbers carry added significance at a venue where conditions can reward bowlers who maintain accuracy and make the most of movement. Rather than relying solely on pace, Kamboj kept the pressure on through disciplined lines and lengths, limiting scoring opportunities and forcing New Zealand’s batters to take risks.

Building momentum after an uneven start

Kamboj’s progress has not been entirely straightforward. He made his Test debut in England after travelling and was brought into India’s home series against the West Indies as a replacement for Prasidh Krishna. That first experience did not produce the impact he would have wanted, but the Auckland ODI offered a timely response.

For a developing fast bowler, the ability to recover from a difficult outing is an important part of the journey. Kamboj’s performance against New Zealand showed composure and adaptability, while also giving him a chance to demonstrate that he can contribute in the 50-over format. His work with Chennai Super Kings has also exposed him to high-pressure situations, including the challenge of bowling at the death.

India’s selection picture remains open, and one strong ODI does not guarantee a place at a future World Cup. Kamboj will need to build consistency across different grounds, opposition line-ups and match situations. Staying fit, improving his execution under pressure and continuing to develop his variations will all matter as he seeks to turn potential into a sustained international record.

What Kamboj’s performance could mean for India

India’s pace resources are likely to be closely assessed in the years leading up to the 2027 ODI World Cup. A bowler who can offer value with the new ball and at the death gives selectors useful flexibility, particularly in conditions where seam movement and bounce are expected to influence matches. Kamboj’s ability to operate across those phases is therefore an important part of the prediction surrounding his future role.

The first ODI victory also gave India a positive start to the five-match series. While the result belonged to the team, Kamboj’s figures provided one of the clearest individual highlights. His spell helped India control the contest, and Pathan’s endorsement has brought further attention to the young pacer’s prospects.

For now, Kamboj’s immediate task is to maintain the standards he set in Auckland. If he continues to deliver economical spells, take wickets and show that his skills translate across conditions, the case for including him in discussions about India’s 2027 World Cup probables will grow stronger. Pathan believes the ingredients are already there; the next step is turning promise into a reliable run of performances.

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