Ravi Shastri backs Anshul Kamboj as India's workhorse for New Zealand Tests

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has identified Chennai Super Kings seamer Anshul Kamboj as a bowler who could serve as a reliable workhorse for India in the two-Test series against New Zealand. The first Test is scheduled to begin in Wellington on November 19, 2026.

India's 16-member Test squad for the tour includes five frontline seamers: Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep and Kamboj. Shastri made a case for the 25-year-old pacer's suitability to New Zealand conditions. Shastri also noted that Kamboj's batting ability adds further value to his case.

"In a country like New Zealand, in Test match cricket, you will need a workhorse, and I think he is the man who could be your workhorse - someone like a Kamboj, who can come and bowl you those 15 overs and block one end up, especially when the going gets tough, when it's very windy and things of that sort," Shastri said on the Sony Sports Network.

"He can bat as well. So that comes in handy for Anshul. In the middle overs in a Test match or in an ODI game, you have got to have bowlers who have the ability to take wickets. Why India is 2-0 up is because of the performance of Anshul and Gurnoor Brar. In those middle overs where India normally go to spin to pick up wickets, it's the fast bowlers who have done the job," he added.

What does Shastri see in Kamboj's bowling?

Shastri pointed to Kamboj's extensive domestic experience as a key reason for his confidence in the pacer. Across 40 first-class matches, Kamboj has taken 126 wickets at an average of 23.30, a record that underlines his consistency with the red ball in longer formats.

"He comes across as a bloke who has done a lot of bowling in domestic cricket for Haryana and across formats. I think he will be very useful in these conditions. Sometimes you have got to pick blokes as horses for courses. He is the kind of guy who hits the bat. He is accurate," Shastri said.

Shastri also highlighted that Kamboj's pace has been increasing as he gets fitter, adding to his appeal as a Test option in conditions that typically assist seam bowling.

How has Kamboj performed ahead of the Test series?

Kamboj's return to the Test squad comes after a difficult debut against England, where he managed one wicket while conceding 89 runs across 18 overs. He was subsequently dropped from the side following that outing.

However, his recent performances in the ODI leg of the New Zealand tour have strengthened his case. Kamboj made his ODI debut against West Indies on October 3, 2026. In the first ODI against New Zealand in Auckland on November 4, 2026, he took 2 wickets for 22 runs and earned the Player of the Match award. He followed that up with 2 wickets for 25 runs in the second ODI in Wellington on November 7, 2026. Shastri further elaborated on Kamboj's technical attributes.

"More importantly, if there is something there in the surface, the ball will nibble, he hits the bat, and he can get the ball to go both ways and surprise the batter. I think a welcome addition. You have got to build your bench strength as a fast bowling unit, and I think he is one of them. For New Zealand, South Africa, and England, he becomes a good choice," Shastri said.

Shastri noted during the Sony Sports discussion that Kamboj could prove particularly useful in the middle overs of Test cricket, a phase where India have traditionally relied on spinners to take wickets. His ability to bowl long spells accurately and move the ball both ways makes him a credible option for the conditions expected in New Zealand.