The key was just consistent length and line – Anshul Kamboj decodes the blue print behind his POTM performance

The Indian bowling unit came up clutch in Auckland, restricting New Zealand to just 185 runs in the first ODI, fuelling India's big win. Arshdeep Singh clinched four crucial wickets while getting significant support from Gurnoor Brar who claimed three wickets and Anshul Kamboj, who bagged a brace. Kamboj didn’t just claim wickets as he was also miserly with the ball, registering figures of 10-2-22-2.

Kamboj bagged the Player of the Match award for his frugal bowling, compelling New Zealand to take more risks against his teammates. Talking at the post-match presentation, Kamboj opened up on his ploy to bowl in Auckland while highlighting his preparation ahead of the ODI series.

Explaining the key to his fine figures in Auckland, Kamboj said, “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.”

Shedding light on the use of various seam positions, Kamboj said, “I think the wobble seam ball was working very well, so I was using that again and again.”

He also revealed his preparations ahead of the series, stating, “Just working on lengths and good lines, and just looking at the strengths and weaknesses of the batsmen and just working on that.”

When asked if he changed his lengths to adjust himself to the requirements of New Zealand, Kamboj said, “No, it doesn't matter, because I also get a good amount of bounce off the wicket as well. So it's like it's only about the length which I am bowling, just focusing on that.”

He concluded by talking about how he assesses the conditions at different venues, stating, “You just have to look at the wicket and see what is happening on the wicket, what is the best ball to bowl, what is the right length to bowl, just focus on that.”