AK47 finds the target: Relentless Anshul Kamboj reaps benefits of better planning | Cricket News
AUCKLAND: A day before members of India’s ODI squad were scheduled to train at the Eden Park, Anshul Kamboj was out for a stroll with Ruturaj Gaikwad. The two grabbed a quick bite at a fast-food joint near a busy setting for a Diwali fair, obliged fans with some pictures, and then slipped out largely unnoticed. The 25-year-old Kamboj, still four sleeps away from eventually his second ODI appearance, looked relaxed following proper training, adequate rest and timely communication.The right-arm seamer would bowl relentlessly to the likes of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the nets on November 1, enjoy a bowling rest the following day, and then apply the finishing touches on the eve of the seriesopener against New Zealand.Given his chaotic entry into Test and ODI cricket, the preparations felt too good to be true. Much like his dreamy outing in the series opener against the Black Caps.Kamboj has had forgettable outings in international cricket but he ensured Auckland didn’t follow the pattern. With relentless lengths, sharp use of the wobble seam and speeds, the highly-rated Haryana bowler showed why the management didn’t give up on him. Throughout his spells, Kamboj didn’t miss his spot even when the opponents tried to unsettle him by charging down the ground, reaping rewards both for himself and the team for his persistence.‘’One match doesn’t decide a career… I have been doing same things. I got motivation to do well after Manchester Test. I dont pay attention to outside talk,’’ Kamboj said at the post-match press conference.When you prepare well, it gives you confidence so and ensures there are no surprises in the match,” he said about the preparation.When Kamboj sucked the momentum out of the New Zealand batting, Gurnoor Brar and Arshdeep Singh added to the wickets tally from the other end. Nearly half the Kiwi side was back in the hut when Kamboj finished his first spell (5-1-12-0) — leaving the hosts’ hopes of a big total to a lower-order miracle. Axar Patel was introduced to give the seamers a breather and the short break further fired up Kamboj as he cranked up speeds flirting around the 140 kmph mark in his second spell.“Dimensions were different but it doesn’t matter when there is help off the pitch,” Kamboj said about the venue.The relentlessness paid off as he picked the wickets of Mitchell Santner and Nathan Smith in consecutive overs, leaving mere formalities to be completed. The next five overs improved upon the first spell, capping off an incisive spell of fast bowling.
The unfamiliar feeling
Auckland must have given Kamboj an unfamiliar feeling, as he isn’t used to normalcy as far as international cricket is concerned. This time, however, the preparation and planning were spot on. He wasn’t an injury replacement taking a long international flight or switching formats after a quick flight from South to East India.The plan to give up on him after ordinary Test and ODI debuts was never on the table as the management always believed in his abilities. When he returned to the set-up after the Manchester Test, his increased pace immediately caught attention. The think-tank was impressed with the drastic improvement and was keen on giving him consistent gametime even after the Guwahati ODI against West Indies.When the Windies took Kamboj to the cleaners, India captain Shubman Gill backed the under-fire quick and asserted that both Auqib Nabi and Kamboj would continue to be in the mix.“It’s not easy to come and be able to deliver straight away,” Gill had said.“Anshul and Auqib are the kind of players who are going to be in the mix a lot. And Anshul is someone who can also bat at number 8. And that number is very crucial for us,” he further added.Selectors heard the captain, kept the two in the mix and with meticulous planning, helped Haryana’s AK47 find the target. Short, good lengths were the order of the day and with razor sharp precision, Kamboj hit the spot to keep India on top.
