Former India all-rounder
Kamboj proved instrumental in restricting the hosts to a total of 185, delivering a highly disciplined spell that yielded figures of 2/22 from his 10 overs. His accuracy was a highlight of the innings, as he bowled 46 dot balls, effectively stifling the New Zealand batting lineup. The bowling effort was supported by Arshdeep Singh, who claimed four wickets, and Gurnoor Brar, who added three to his tally, before Virat Kohli anchored the successful chase of a revised 143-run target with a commanding 74 off 51 balls.
Pathan defends early career struggles
Reflecting on Kamboj’s development, Pathan urged observers to look past the bowler’s difficult introduction to Test cricket last year. The former international noted that Kamboj was thrust into the longest format as an injury replacement without adequate recovery time or preparation after significant travel. During that debut, the pacer struggled to find his rhythm, taking only one wicket while conceding 89 runs across 18 overs.
Pathan emphasized that such challenges are common for young bowlers adjusting to the physical and mental demands of international cricket. He argued that the context of those early appearances should be considered, noting that the transition to different climates and formats requires time for any fast bowler to find their footing.
Versatility as a key asset
Beyond his recent success in Auckland, Pathan highlighted Kamboj’s technical versatility as a primary reason for his potential inclusion in future squads. The former all-rounder pointed to the youngster’s ability to operate effectively with both the new and old ball, as well as his proficiency in death-bowling scenarios.
Pathan specifically praised Kamboj’s tactical awareness, including his ability to bowl wide yorkers from around the wicket—a skill he has showcased while playing for the Chennai Super Kings. According to Pathan, this diverse skill set makes him a valuable asset for the national team. While Kamboj faced a challenging outing against the West Indies in New Chandigarh earlier in his career, where he conceded 82 runs in nine overs, his recent performance in New Zealand has served as a timely reminder of his capabilities. As India begins looking toward the 2027 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, Pathan believes that consistent displays of this caliber will leave selectors with little choice but to consider the pacer for the global tournament.
