NEW DELHI: Anshul Kamboj had a message for his critics after delivering an impressive performance in India’s opening ODI against New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland on Wednesday. The Haryana pacer, who was named Player of the Match for his disciplined spell of 2/22 in 10 overs, made it clear that he was not allowing outside opinions to affect his approach, insisting that one performance should not define a player’s career.“One match doesn’t decide a career… I have been doing the same things. I got motivation to do well after the Manchester Test. I don’t pay attention to outside talk,” Kamboj said during the post-match press conference.The 25-year-old’s comments came after he played a crucial role in India’s bowling dominance, helping the visitors dismiss New Zealand for 185 before they completed a five-wicket victory in the rain-affected contest.Kamboj removed New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner for four and Nathan Smith for one, delivering a disciplined performance alongside Arshdeep Singh, who claimed four wickets, and Gurnoor Brar, who picked up three.
Wobble seam and disciplined lengths key to success
Explaining the secret behind his impressive figures, Kamboj credited his ability to stick to the basics rather than getting distracted by the nature of the surface.“I think the key was just consistent length and line, not thinking about how the wicket is behaving, just the basic plan, bowling on right lines and right areas,” he said in the post-match presentations.The pacer also revealed that the wobble seam delivery proved particularly effective against the New Zealand batters.“I think the wobble seam ball was working very well, so I was using that again and again,” he said.Kamboj explained that his preparations involved working on his lengths and studying the strengths and weaknesses of opposition batters.“Just working on lengths and good lines, and just looking at the strengths and weaknesses of the batsmen and just working on that,” he added.He also stressed that preparation was important in building confidence ahead of a match during the press briefing: “When you prepare well, it gives you confidence and ensures there are no surprises in the match.”
‘Dimensions were different but…’
Asked about adjusting to New Zealand conditions and the different dimensions at Eden Park, Kamboj said his focus remained on executing his plans rather than making unnecessary changes.“Dimensions were different but it doesn’t matter when there is help off the pitch,” he said.The all-rounder also spoke about balancing his responsibilities with both bat and ball, keeping his approach straightforward.“All rounder roles are simple: focus on batting when bat in hand, bowling when ball in hand,” he said during the PC.Kamboj’s performance was part of a collective bowling effort that set up India’s victory. In reply, Virat Kohli smashed 74 off 51 balls, while Shubman Gill scored 56 off 37 deliveries as India chased down the rain-revised target of 143 in 22.4 overs.India will now look to extend their advantage in the five-match series when the second ODI takes place in Wellington on Saturday.
