Anshul Kamboj on New Zealand success: 'Accuracy, right line and length is key'
Synopsis
Anshul Kamboj is keeping it simple — and it is working. The Haryana pacer, now representing India on tour in New Zealand, says the same conditions he grew up bowling in gave him an unexpected edge, while his time alongside Dhoni and Fleming at CSK reinforced a results-free mindset that has helped him thrive in his early international outings.
Key Takeaways
Anshul Kamboj spoke ahead of the third ODI against New Zealand at Seddon Park, Hamilton .
Kamboj cited accuracy and reading the correct line and length as the core of his approach.
He began playing cricket at 13 and says Haryana 's conditions are similar to those in New Zealand.
A stint at Chennai Super Kings under MS Dhoni and Stephen Fleming taught him to focus on process over results.
The pacer credits his India A experience in New Zealand for helping him acclimatise to 'nippy' wickets ahead of the main series.
India fast bowler Anshul Kamboj has credited disciplined bowling and sharp situational awareness for his strong performances on the ongoing tour of New Zealand, saying that identifying the correct line and length according to pitch conditions and match circumstances remains the cornerstone of his approach. The Haryana pacer was speaking ahead of the third ODI at Seddon Park in Hamilton.
How Domestic Roots Shaped His Game
Kamboj, who took up cricket at the age of 13, pointed to the weather and pitch conditions in Haryana as a surprisingly useful reference point for adjusting to New Zealand's demanding environment. 'I started playing when I was 13 years old. I play for Haryana. So it's like similar kind of weather and wickets as well in Haryana,' he said.
The pacer noted that acclimatising to conditions in New Zealand — including a 'nippy' surface during the India A series — was among his first priorities. 'It was just about acclimatising to the weather. The wicket was a bit nippy, and I just wanted to understand the right lengths and the right areas where I need to bowl. I'm just focusing on that,' he explained.
The Dream of Wearing India Blue
Making the step up to the senior national side has been an emotional milestone for the young seamer. Kamboj described representing India as a lifelong dream made real, and spoke about the energy that comes with pulling on the national colours for the first time. 'Actually, I'm excited and very happy as well, as I'm playing for my national team. It's everyone's dream to play for their national team, so it's pretty much exciting,' he said.
The warm reception back home has added to his motivation as he looks to cement his place in the side across this assignment.
Lessons from Chennai Super Kings
A stint with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) under the watchful eyes of Mahendra Singh Dhoni and head coach Stephen Fleming gave Kamboj a structured environment in which to sharpen his craft. Rather than chasing results, he said, the emphasis was on understanding his role and improving execution ball by ball.
'Actually, that was a good learning experience for me, and I'm still learning a lot. I'm just making sure that I'm learning in the right way, not thinking too much about the results, but focusing on what I need to do and what I need to do on the field as well,' Kamboj stated. This process-oriented mindset, reinforced during his time at CSK, appears to have translated effectively into the international arena.
The Formula That Is Working
Kamboj is clear-eyed about keeping things simple. He believes over-complicating a bowling plan is a trap, and that consistency in execution — guided by reading conditions and game situations — is what separates sustained performers from one-match wonders.
'It's about accuracy and the perfect line and length, according to the wicket and the situation. It's working for me right now, so I'm just focusing on that,' he said. As the series progresses, all eyes will be on whether this measured, conditions-first approach continues to yield results against New Zealand's formidable batting lineup.
Point of View
Credited partly to the CSK environment under Dhoni, is precisely what coaches prize in bowlers who must perform across formats and conditions. The interesting thread here is not the platitudes about line and length, but the structural insight: state-level conditions in Haryana — overcast, lively surfaces — may be quietly producing pacers better suited to overseas Tests and ODIs than the flat, spin-friendly tracks that dominate the IPL narrative. If Kamboj sustains this form through the New Zealand series, the conversation about India's next-generation seam attack will have a compelling new entry.
NationPress
10 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Anshul Kamboj?
Anshul Kamboj is an Indian fast bowler from Haryana who represents the state in domestic cricket and has played for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. He is currently part of India's ODI squad touring New Zealand.
What does Anshul Kamboj say is the key to his success?
Kamboj attributes his current form to accuracy and bowling the right line and length according to the pitch and match situation. He also emphasises keeping things simple and not over-thinking his bowling plans.
How has Anshul Kamboj prepared for conditions in New Zealand?
Kamboj played in the India A series in New Zealand before the main tour, which helped him acclimatise to the weather and understand the bowling lengths suited to the 'nippy' wickets. He drew parallels with conditions he has experienced in Haryana.
What did Anshul Kamboj learn from Chennai Super Kings?
Playing under MS Dhoni and head coach Stephen Fleming at Chennai Super Kings taught Kamboj to focus on process rather than results. He says the experience gave him a structured approach to improving his execution and understanding his responsibilities on the field.
Where is the third India vs New Zealand ODI being played?
The third ODI between India and New Zealand is being played at Seddon Park in Hamilton, New Zealand.
