Key Highlights:
In the high-octane world of the Indian Premier League, few stories are as puzzling as that of Anshul Kamboj — the 24-year-old fast bowler who made headlines by taking 10 wickets in a Ranji Trophy innings but is yet to feature for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025 despite a massive ₹3.8 crore price tag.
A Mega Auction Bid That Raised Eyebrows
At the IPL 2025 mega auction, Anshul Kamboj entered with a modest base price of ₹20 lakh. What followed was an intense bidding war between Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, and Chennai Super Kings, before CSK secured the young pacer for ₹3.8 crore. The franchise clearly saw him as a long-term asset. But five matches into the season, Kamboj is yet to get a game.
Anshul Kamboj’s Domestic Brilliance
The Haryana-born speedster made history during the 2024 Ranji Trophy, becoming only the third bowler in Ranji history to claim all 10 wickets in a single innings. His historic spell came against Kerala, where he took 8 wickets on Day 2 and returned the next morning to finish the job with 2 more.
Only 3 Bowlers Have Achieved This Feat in Ranji:
- Premangsu Chatterjee
- Pradeep Sundaram
- Anshul Kamboj (2024)
IPL Journey So Far: Brief But Promising
Anshul Kamboj made his IPL debut in 2024 for Mumbai Indians against Sunrisers Hyderabad, claiming 1 wicket. He played only three matches that season, collecting 2 wickets overall. While the numbers were modest, his ability to swing the ball both ways, bowl yorkers at will, and apply pressure with accurate lengths left a lasting impression.
Why CSK Might Need Kamboj Now
Chennai Super Kings started IPL 2025 with a strong win over Mumbai Indians but have since suffered four consecutive defeats, losing to Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, and Royal Challengers Bangalore. Their bowling lineup has lacked bite, particularly during the middle and death overs.
With Ruturaj Gaikwad ruled out due to injury and MS Dhoni back at the helm, it may be time for the former skipper to experiment — and Anshul Kamboj could be the wild card CSK desperately needs.
What Makes Anshul Kamboj Special?
- Age: 24
- IPL 2025 Auction Price: ₹3.8 crore
- T20 Career Stats: 22 matches, 26 wickets
- Key Attributes:
- Natural outswinger
- Death-over specialist
- Accurate yorkers
- High-intensity bowling style
Kamboj is a rare combination of aggression and control, often compared to a younger version of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, but with more raw pace.
Will MS Dhoni Take the Gamble?
With MS Dhoni now guiding the team, the selection dynamics may shift. Dhoni has historically backed young, unknown talent and turned them into match-winners. With CSK’s bowling combinations under scrutiny, Dhoni could consider giving Kamboj a shot in upcoming matches — especially in crunch games where early breakthroughs are vital.
The Road Ahead for CSK and Anshul Kamboj
As the tournament reaches its mid-point, CSK must address their bowling struggles if they hope to make the playoffs. Kamboj’s bench time raises important questions:
- Is he being under-utilized?
- Is CSK saving him for key games?
- Or is there still uncertainty about his fitness or match readiness?
Whatever the case, fans are eager to see what this ₹3.8 crore pacer can do when unleashed under pressure.
In a season where consistency has eluded Chennai, taking bold risks might just be the key to revival. Anshul Kamboj, with his raw pace and match-winning potential, deserves a chance — not just because of his price tag, but because he has already earned it on the domestic stage.
Whether MS Dhoni will turn to this young weapon remains to be seen — but one thing is certain: Kamboj’s benching is the IPL’s biggest mystery so far.
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