'Anshul Kamboj is slightly ahead' - Aakash Chopra analyses India's bowling dilemma ahead of 2027 ODI World Cup

India's search for a seam bowler who can contribute with the bat at number eight has become a key focus ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. The team has been testing options in recent matches, with Harshit Rana sidelined due to injury during the West Indies ODI series. This has opened the door for other candidates to stake their claim for a spot in the squad.

Aakash Chopra has weighed in on India's bowling dilemma, offering his assessment of the available options. Anshul Kamboj and Auqib Nabi each played a match in the three-match series against West Indies, giving the team a chance to evaluate their credentials. Chopra's analysis provides insight into how the selectors might be thinking about the composition of the bowling attack.

"You have used three bowlers who can provide you with batting at No. 8. You have taken an oath that you need a batter at No. 8, and I do agree," Chopra said in a video shared on his YouTube channel.

"If we look at it from that perspective, Harshit Rana is the frontrunner. He is slightly expensive at times, but he is a wicket-taker. I am putting a stamp in Harshit Rana's favour," he added.

Harshit Rana's absence opens the door for alternatives

Rana's injury has created uncertainty about India's first-choice option in this role. Chopra acknowledged the challenge facing the selectors when the preferred candidate is unavailable. The analyst then turned his attention to the two players who have been given opportunities in recent matches.

"However, his issue is the same as Hardik's. He is having big layoffs. So, who then? It's a struggle," Chopra said.

Two candidates have emerged from the recent West Indies series as potential options for the seam-bowling all-rounder role. Anshul Kamboj made his ODI debut in the third match of the series in New Chandigarh after being pulled out of India A's second four-day game against Australia A in Puducherry. Kamboj joined the squad as a replacement for Prasidh Krishna, who was ruled out due to a left hamstring injury. The former replaced Nabi in the playing XI for the third ODI.

"Two names, because only two have been used. One is Anshul Kamboj, and the other is Auqib Nabi. The sample size is a match apiece, but when you see the way they bowl, Anshul Kamboj is slightly ahead. Anshul Kamboj has a bit more from an ODI cricket perspective," he added.

The core bowling attack for the 2027 World Cup appears settled in Chopra's assessment. Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav form the foundation of India's pace and spin options. Prasidh Krishna also features prominently in the plans, but questions remain about the fifth pacer and the balance between specialist bowlers and all-rounders.

"Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Kuldeep Yadav are no-brainers. Don't talk about them at all. They should be part of your team." Aakash said.

"Put Prasidh Krishna in that list. You still have questions to answer. If you keep Nitish Kumar Reddy, you won't be able to look toward Washington Sundar," he added.

The selection puzzle extends to the fifth pacer slot, where multiple candidates are competing for recognition. Chopra expressed uncertainty about the relative standing of contenders like Gurnoor Brar and Mohammed Siraj. The final composition of the bowling unit will depend on how India balances the need for specialist pace bowlers against the value of all-rounders who can contribute with the bat.

"There could be a call between a fifth pacer and Washington Sundar, or else an extra batter. When I look toward the fifth pacer, I feel Gurnoor Brar is slightly ahead at the moment, or is he, because he shouldn't be. I feel Siraj should be standing with him," the cricketer-turned-commentator said.