ENG vs IND 2025: 'Even if Anshul Kamboj plays ten Tests and doesn't do great its okay' - R Ashwin comes to under-fire pacer's aid

Published - 27 Jul 2025, 18:23 IST | Updated - 27 Jul 2025, 18:23 IST

Anshul Kamboj made his international debut in the ongoing fourth Test between India and England in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 at Old Trafford, Manchester. The youngster was added to the squad as injury cover for Arshdeep Singh. Kamboj got a chance to showcase his talent at the highest level, but failed to make an impact.

Kamboj bowled 18 overs and conceded 89 runs in 18 overs at an economy rate of 4.90. He picked up a solitary wicket of Ben Duckett. Only Shardul Thakur bowled fewer overs (11) than him. The Mumbai all-rounder was also the only bowler who conceded runs at an economy rate (5) higher than that of Kamboj.

Some fans and experts questioned Kamboj's selection, particularly pointing out his average bowling speed, which was below 130 kph. The England batters didn't have too many problems scoring runs against him. Joe Root was seen taking a few strides towards the bowler and hitting him for runs on several occasions.

Ravichandran Ashwin, however, urged the team management and fans to back Kamboj and give the 24-year-old some more time to get accustomed to the international level.

"It is important for us to rally behind our cricketers when they are not having a great time. Even if Anshul plays ten Tests and doesn't do great its okay. A boy from Haryana has put so much effort and worked hard to make it to India. It is still a success story. We should remember he has reached here. It is a success story," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel 'Ash ki Baat'.

"We have not reached there, so let us have a little bit of compassion towards them. We must back our players. Everyone will praise if he does well. When there is a bad day we need to get behind them. If he is not good enough he gets dropped its okay, that will happen. But he has put in the effort. Let's appreciate the effort," he added.

Ashwin lauded India for getting themselves into a winning position in every Test match in the series. The former India off-spinner said that new Test captain Shubman Gill should be proud of himself as he is leading a young side from the front.

"Almost in every game we are in a position to win, in this game also we are fighting to draw. Shubman Gill should be proud of himself. A youngster leading for the first time away from home is allowed to have bad days, he will learn from this. But he has kept this aside, come out and batted like a champion," Ashwin said.