CHENNAI: Chennai Super Kings may be struggling for consistency this IPL season, but medium-fast bowler Anshul Kamboj has emerged as one of their most impactful performers. In nine outings, he has taken 17 wickets while keeping things tight at an economy rate of 7.54. His standout effort came on Saturday against Mumbai Indians, where he returned figures of 3 for 32, and he has been a key weapon for CSK during both the powerplay and the slog phases of the innings.
Kamboj’s death-overs dominance at Chepauk
On Saturday at Chepauk, Kamboj’s influence in the closing overs was decisive. By removing Robin Minz and then Hardik Pandya in the 18th and 20th overs, he became the first bowler in the season to reach double figures specifically in the death overs. The numbers underline how much CSK have relied on him when batters look to accelerate.
- Kamboj’s strike in the 18th and 20th overs included the wickets of Robin Minz and Hardik Pandya.
- He finished the match phase milestone as the first bowler this season to take 10 death-over wickets.
- He has been central to CSK’s bowling plans in both powerplay overs and the late-innings slog.
A yorker-heavy approach that keeps evolving
The right-arm seamer has treated the death overs like a segment he knows in detail, executing plans with regularity. He frequently bowls around the stumps, particularly when facing right-handed batters. As the innings progresses, his lengths adjust to the match situation, and the yorkers continue to arrive at the right moments.
Why CSK believe his rise was always coming
CSK head coach Stephen Fleming said Kamboj’s recent surge does not feel like a sudden surprise. He pointed to last season’s progress and the work Kamboj has put in with bowling coach Eric Simons, especially around the skills needed for accurate and effective death bowling.
Fleming’s view was straightforward: “Last year, he was really good. He’s worked hard with Eric Simons around the concept of death bowling and he has built on that throughout the year to master it.”
- Fleming highlighted that Kamboj was effective last year as well.
- He credited coaching work with Eric Simons focused on death bowling.
- The plan, Fleming said, has been developed over time rather than appearing overnight.
Last IPL and the next step that didn’t fully click
In the previous IPL season, Kamboj took eight wickets from eight matches, maintaining an economy of 8.00. After that, he earned a Test debut for India. However, his performances against England did not provide the returns needed to secure a prolonged run at the highest level.
This season, though, he has returned with more bite and has moved into a more central role in CSK’s pace department, particularly after the injury to Khaleel Ahmed.
Pre-season details, India pathway, and CSK-first mindset
Fleming also described the technical emphasis during pre-season. According to him, Kamboj worked on angles and execution by bowling with clear targets, helping the team understand what he can do—and what he cannot—depending on which side of the wicket he bowls from. That groundwork, Fleming said, has paid off in matches.
Looking ahead, India’s schedule across formats continues after the IPL, and Kamboj’s performances could bring him back into the national fast-bowling picture. For Kamboj himself, however, team results matter more than personal milestones.
Before the clash against Mumbai Indians, he summed up his priorities clearly: “My complete focus is on how to contribute to the team’s win.”
CSK will enter Tuesday’s game in must-win mode, and they will be hoping that Kamboj can keep delivering—especially in the overs where matches are usually decided.
