Ravi Shastri names this CSK pacer as Team India's workhorse for NZ Tests

NewsSports NewsCricket News'He could be your workhorse': Ravi Shastri names this CSK pacer for New Zealand Tests 'He could be your workhorse': Ravi Shastri names this CSK pacer for New Zealand Tests Edited by Amit Kumar / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Nov 11, 2026, 06:33 IST Anshul Kamboj, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj (AFP Photo) Former India head coach Ravi Shastri believes young pacer Anshul Kamboj could play an important role in India's upcoming two-Test series against New Zealand.

The first Test will begin in Wellington on November 19.India have picked five fast bowlers in their 16-member squad for the series. They are Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep and Kamboj.Shastri feels the 25-year-old Kamboj has the qualities needed to succeed in New Zealand.

He believes the Chennai Super Kings pacer can bowl long spells, keep things tight and support the other bowlers. Kamboj's batting ability is another advantage. Watch Unseen visuals from Seddon Park as India vs New Zealand gets washed out Kamboj's selection comes after a difficult start to his Test career.

He made his debut against England but managed only one wicket while giving away 89 runs in 18 overs. He was dropped after that performance. However, the pacer has made a strong comeback on the ongoing New Zealand tour.Join conversation Kamboj made his ODI debut against the West Indies on October 3, 2026.

He then impressed in the first ODI against New Zealand in Auckland on November 4, taking 2 wickets for 22 runs. His performance earned him the Player of the Match award. He continued his good form in the second ODI in Wellington on November 7, picking up 2 wickets for 25 runs.Shastri believes Kamboj's ability to move the ball in both directions and trouble batters makes him a valuable option."More importantly, if there is something there in the surface, the ball will nibble, he hits the bat, and he can get the ball to go both ways and surprise the batter.

I think a welcome addition. You have got to build your bench strength as a fast bowling unit, and I think he is one of them. For New Zealand, South Africa, and England, he becomes a good choice," Shastri said. Get the latest Sports News and Live updates.

Download the TOI app. From cricket to Olympic sports, Amit Kumar covers it all for The Times of India. He began his journalism career with CricketNext and CNN-News18 Sports before moving to NDTV. He now writes on a wide range of sports for Times of India, with a focus on stories, interviews and the people behind the headlines.

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