Anshul Kamboj finds death-bowling plan that works, McClenaghan says after CSK's 8-wicket win
Synopsis
Anshul Kamboj has transformed from a bowler without a plan into a death-overs executioner. McClenaghan's endorsement reveals what CSK's coaching system has unlocked: a young pacer who now hits his lengths with machine-like precision. With Kamboj and Noor Ahmad forming a potent death-bowling duo, CSK's path to the playoffs just got clearer.
Key Takeaways
Anshul Kamboj took 3/32 as CSK restricted MI to 159/7 in their IPL match.
CSK chased down the target with 11 balls remaining, completing a league double over MI .
Ruturaj Gaikwad (67*) and Kartik Sharma (54*) guided the chase without losing a wicket.
Mitchell McClenaghan praised Kamboj for developing a clear death-bowling strategy and consistent execution.
Noor Ahmad also contributed with 2/26 , forming a strong death-bowling unit for CSK .
Former New Zealand pacer Mitchell McClenaghan has praised Anshul Kamboj for his disciplined bowling execution, crediting the young Indian pacer with developing a clear death-bowling strategy that has made him a standout performer for Chennai Super Kings in the ongoing IPL season. Kamboj's spell of 3/32 was instrumental in restricting Mumbai Indians to 159/7, enabling CSK to complete an eight-wicket victory and secure a league double over MI.
Kamboj's turnaround at CSK
McClenaghan noted that before joining CSK, Kamboj lacked a structured approach to death-overs bowling. "Previous to coming to CSK, I don't think he had a real plan or idea of what he wanted to do at the death. And so I think he's found something," McClenaghan said on ESPNcricinfo. The veteran pacer credited CSK's coaching philosophy, rooted in the legacy of Dwayne Bravo and the continued presence of Eric Simons, for helping Kamboj crystallise his bowling blueprint.
Execution and consistency
McClenaghan singled out Kamboj's precision as his greatest asset. "His execution is very, very good. Spot on. He cannot miss with the kind of bowling that he does. He cannot err in length, and he has not been erring," the former New Zealand international added. This consistency in hitting the six-to-eight-metre length with the new ball has been a hallmark of successful bowlers in the current IPL season, McClenaghan observed.
MI's strong start undone
Mumbai Indians began their innings brightly, reaching 90/2 in 10 overs, but disciplined spells from Kamboj and Noor Ahmad (who took 2/26) arrested the momentum. MI ultimately managed only 159/7, leaving CSK with a modest target.
Comfortable chase seals league double
Ruturaj Gaikwad (67 not out) and Kartik Sharma (54 not out) steered CSK to a straightforward chase, completing the run with 11 balls remaining. The victory marks CSK's second win over MI in the current league stage, cementing their advantage in the head-to-head record.
The CSK blueprint
The win underscores CSK's enduring strength in developing young fast bowlers through a structured, repeatable system. Kamboj's emergence as a death-overs specialist reflects the franchise's ability to refine raw talent into match-winning performers, a template that has served them across multiple IPL seasons.
Point of View
Honed over years with Bravo and refined under Simons, has given a young Indian pacer the structure he was missing. That's the franchise's real edge: not finding stars, but building them. If Kamboj sustains this execution, CSK's middle-overs vulnerability becomes a non-issue. The question is whether consistency holds across pitches and opponents.
NationPress
15 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Anshul Kamboj's bowling performance in CSK vs MI?
Anshul Kamboj took 3 wickets for 32 runs, restricting Mumbai Indians to 159/7 after they had made a strong start at 90/2 in 10 overs. His disciplined bowling in the death overs was crucial to CSK's victory.
How did CSK chase down MI's total?
Ruturaj Gaikwad scored 67 not out and Kartik Sharma made 54 not out, guiding CSK to a comfortable eight-wicket win with 11 balls remaining. CSK did not lose a wicket during the chase.
What did Mitchell McClenaghan say about Kamboj's bowling?
McClenaghan praised Kamboj for developing a clear death-bowling plan and executing it with precision. He highlighted Kamboj's ability to consistently hit the six-to-eight-metre length and credited CSK's coaching system for refining the young pacer's approach.
Why was MI's strong start not converted into a big total?
Disciplined bowling from Anshul Kamboj (3/32) and Noor Ahmad (2/26) arrested MI's momentum after they reached 90/2 in 10 overs. The CSK bowling unit's consistency in the death overs restricted MI to 159/7.
