Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin expressed concern over debutant Anshul Kamboj’s fitness and energy levels after noticing a significant drop in his bowling speed on Day 3 of the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford. Although Kamboj had a difficult start to his Test career on Day 2, he ended that day on a positive note by taking his first wicket.
However, he was unable to continue that momentum on the third day, as England’s batters scored runs with ease. With senior pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj not performing at their best, Kamboj had an important role to play. Despite this, he finished the day with disappointing figures of 1 for 89 from 18 overs.
He struggled with the second new ball and brought the keeper up. In the 63rd over, Pope edged one, but Jurel couldn’t hold the tough chance. As the day went on, Anshul Kamboj’s pace dropped sharply, raising concerns with Bumrah and Siraj also struggling. Ashwin, Kamboj’s CSK teammate in IPL 2025, questioned the stark dip in performance.
“I praised Anshul Kamboj yesterday, but I have to say that his bowling speeds were so low, I was quite surprised. I honestly hope he is okay, because he was bowling faster than this in the IPL. He looked like he was struggling a touch. All said and done, the only solution to this (Bowling injuries and inefficiency) is to be able to create a bigger pool of bowlers,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
Ashwin’s Witty Remark On Kuldeep’s Role In 4th Test
India captain Shubman Gill faced criticism for introducing Washington Sundar into the attack too late during the first innings. The all-rounder had to wait 68 overs before getting the ball, but he made an immediate impact by removing both Harry Brook and Ollie Pope in quick succession.
Handling six bowling options has proven challenging for Gill in recent Tests. Reflecting on this, R Ashwin remarked that it might have been a blessing in disguise that wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav wasn’t picked for the match, as he may not have got a chance to bowl at all.
“In a way, it is good that they did not play Kuldeep Yadav. Because you already had so many bowlers, Washington came to bowl after 68 overs, maybe Kuldeep would have bowled after the second new ball, he probably would not have got the ball in his hand,” Ashwin said.
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