Irfan Pathan backs Anshul Kamboj for World Cup after standout spell against New Zealand

Irfan Pathan backs Anshul Kamboj as a potential India ODI World Cup contender

India’s five-wicket victory over New Zealand in the opening ODI has given the Men in Blue a 1-0 lead in the series—and put fast bowler Anshul Kamboj firmly in the spotlight. After helping bowl New Zealand out for 185 at Eden Park in Auckland, the Chennai Super Kings pacer earned Player of the Match honours and received a strong endorsement from former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan.

Pathan believes Kamboj has the skills to become a serious contender for India’s squad at the 2027 ODI World Cup, which will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. The tournament is still some time away, and selection will depend on form, fitness and competition within India’s pace attack. But Kamboj’s latest performance has added his name to the conversation—and offered an encouraging glimpse of his potential.

A standout spell in Auckland

Kamboj delivered a disciplined 10-over spell, taking 2 wickets for just 22 runs. In conditions that offered movement and bounce, he maintained control, built pressure and made it difficult for New Zealand’s batters to settle. His figures were among the defining contributions in India’s bowling effort, which restricted the hosts to a modest total before the visitors completed the chase with five wickets to spare.

The performance was notable not only for the wickets but also for Kamboj’s economy. He became one of the Indian fast bowlers to concede the fewest runs while completing a full 10-over quota in a men’s ODI. His 22-run return also stands out among the most economical full spells in the format in recent years, underlining the control he showed throughout the innings.

For a bowler still building experience at international level, the display was a timely response to questions raised after a difficult start to his Test career. It also demonstrated how a player’s prospects can change quickly when he finds the right conditions, role and rhythm.

Pathan explains why Kamboj deserves consideration

Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Pathan said Kamboj could be among the bowlers considered for India’s 2027 World Cup plans if he continues to develop. He also urged observers to view the pacer’s earlier Test struggles in context, noting that adjusting to overseas conditions after travel can be demanding for any fast bowler.

Pathan’s point is an important one: performances in different formats and environments do not always follow the same pattern. Test cricket places a particular physical and tactical burden on fast bowlers, especially when they are adapting to a new climate, managing recovery and preparing for long spells. A challenging debut should not necessarily define a player’s longer-term prospects.

In the first ODI against New Zealand, Kamboj showed a more settled version of himself. He used the conditions effectively and displayed the patience needed to make small adjustments across a long spell. The result was a performance that gave India valuable control and strengthened the case for giving him further opportunities.

A versatile skill set for modern ODI cricket

Pathan highlighted Kamboj’s ability to contribute with both the new and old ball. That versatility is especially valuable in one-day cricket, where a bowler may be asked to exploit early movement, contain runs through the middle overs and execute precise plans at the death.

According to Pathan, Kamboj has shown that he can bowl wide yorkers, including from around the wicket, and can also make the ball move off the surface. Those skills offer a useful combination: yorkers can limit scoring options in the final overs, while movement and changes of angle can challenge batters before they have time to attack freely.

India’s pace group in the opening match was relatively inexperienced, with Arshdeep Singh the most seasoned ODI campaigner among the fast bowlers. Yet the attack performed impressively in Auckland’s swing-friendly conditions. Kamboj’s contribution was particularly encouraging because it suggested he could adapt to more than one phase of an innings rather than being restricted to a single specialist role.

From difficult debut to a strong response

Kamboj’s progress has not been entirely straightforward. He received an opportunity in India’s home series against the West Indies after replacing Prasidh Krishna, but his early international experience did not immediately produce the impact he would have wanted. The Auckland ODI, however, offered a clear reminder that young players often need time to adjust to the demands of international cricket.

His response will be encouraging for India’s team management, which needs a deep pool of reliable fast bowlers across formats. Injuries, workload management and changing conditions can all influence a tournament campaign, making depth more than a luxury. A bowler who can handle different phases of an ODI could become an important option as India gradually shapes its plans for the next World Cup.

What Kamboj’s World Cup prediction means

Pathan’s prediction is an endorsement, not a guarantee of selection. India’s 2027 squad will depend on several seasons of performances, the emergence of other fast bowlers and the conditions expected across the three host nations. South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia can present varied challenges, so selectors are likely to value pace, accuracy, adaptability and the ability to execute under pressure.

Kamboj has made a promising case for himself, but consistency will be the key. He will need to build on his Auckland performance, keep improving his death bowling and demonstrate that he can remain effective when conditions offer less assistance. Regular opportunities in domestic cricket and the IPL could also help him refine his variations and strengthen his confidence against international batters.

For now, India’s series lead and Kamboj’s Player of the Match performance provide plenty of reasons for optimism. His 2/22 spell helped set up a comfortable win, while Pathan’s backing has brought wider attention to his potential. If the young pacer continues to deliver across different conditions and roles, he may well remain part of the discussion as India’s 2027 ODI World Cup plans take shape.