Former Indian player turned commentator Sunil Gavaskar has applauded Anshul Kamboj for bowling a potent and economical spell in the first ODI against New Zealand. He also shared that Kamboj’s pace has increased since his Test
debut against England. However, Kamboj delivered a spell of 2/22 in 10 overs as New Zealand were bowled out for
185 in Auckland.

During a discussion on Sony Sports, Gavaskar said, “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.”

“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 shared again.

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“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,” he explained.

However, Sunil Gavaskar appreciated Anshul Kamboj for giving away only 22 runs in his 10-over spell.

“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,” he said. “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,” Sunil Gavaskar concluded.