ENG vs IND 2025: 'He understands the plan like Zaheer and Bumrah' - Ashwin backs Anshul Kamboj for Manchester Test

Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin drew comparisons between young pacer Anshul Kamboj and legendary bowlers Zaheer Khan and Jasprit Bumrah. The 24-year-old is expected to be in contention for selection in the fourth Test between India and England, scheduled to begin on July 23 at Old Trafford, Manchester.

Kamboj was added to the Indian squad following injuries to Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep. Ashwin, who had worked closely with Kamboj during their time at Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2025 season, admitted that he was impressed with the Haryana pacer's tactical awareness and maturity on the field.

“The most appreciable thing about Anshul Kamboj is that he understands the plan. I have seen so many bowlers who, even after playing 30–40 Test matches, still don’t understand the plan. If you ask them about the plan, they just say they want to express themselves and enjoy the game,” said Ashwin on his YouTube Channel.

“Because they don’t understand the plan. That is one type of bowling. The other is bowling according to the plan. Anshul Kamboj understands the plan and also knows how to execute it in the middle. I have seen that. It’s not a trait a lot of fast bowlers have. Zaheer Khan was one of them—he was amazing. Jassi is another one. He understands the plan, makes plans, and executes them to perfection. Anshul Kamboj belongs to that variety,” he added.

Ashwin admitted that Kamboj’s inclusion is expected to strengthen India’s bowling unit substantially. The former spinner also analysed Kamboj’s recent performances and suggested that his form would serve the team well in the upcoming Test.

“With Bumrah and Siraj there, if you are bringing in Anshul Kamboj into the playing XI, I’m telling you, it’s a serious bowling attack,” Ashwin said.

“People can say that Anshul Kamboj will be playing his first Test. But he was there with India A. He has been in cracking form in first-class cricket. He averaged around 13 last season and even bagged 10 wickets in an innings. He had a kick-ass Duleep Trophy. Anshul Kamboj knows how to bowl a long spell. You need that in England. Anshul will be a really good foil for Siraj and Bumrah,” he concluded.