Chennai Super Kings are enduring a middling season in IPL 2025, but medium-pacer Anshul Kamboj has emerged as their breakout star. With 17 wickets in nine matches at an economy rate of 7.54, including figures of 3-32 against Mumbai Indians on Saturday, Kamboj has been the leader of the CSK attack in both the powerplay and slog overs.
Kamboj became the first bowler this season to claim 10 wickets in the death overs after dismissing Robin Minz and Hardik Pandya in the 18th and 20th overs at Chepauk. The right-arm seamer has treated the death overs like a rehearsed closing act, extensively bowling around the stumps to right-handed batters, switching lengths according to the phase of play, and regularly landing yorkers.
Coaching Staff's Confidence
CSK head coach Stephen Fleming stated that Kamboj's heroics did not come as a surprise. 'Last year, he was really good. He has worked hard with Eric Simons (bowling coach) around the concept of death bowling and has worked during the year to master that,' said Fleming.
In the previous IPL season, Kamboj picked up eight wickets in eight games at an economy of 8.00. Shortly after, he earned his India Test debut but his returns against England were not strong enough to secure a long run. This season, he has returned with more bite and moved into a central role in CSK's pace attack following Khaleel Ahmed's injury.
Pre-Season Preparation
Fleming revealed that Kamboj worked on angles and execution during pre-season. 'During pre-season, he bowled with open wickets and we gained an understanding of the angles — what he can and cannot do from certain sides of the wicket — and it has worked out well,' he added.
National Team Prospects
With India having a busy schedule across formats after the IPL, Kamboj's stellar performance could push him back into the national fast-bowling setup. However, Kamboj prioritizes team performance over personal milestones. Ahead of the clash against Mumbai Indians, he said: 'My complete focus is on how to contribute to the team's win.'
CSK now enter must-win mode from Tuesday, and the team will hope Kamboj continues to walk the talk.
