The Indian Premier League has always been a launchpad for young talent. From Jasprit Bumrah to Umran Malik, the tournament has unearthed raw pace and precision that later defined international careers. Now, all eyes are turning toward a relatively unknown name from Haryana: Anshul Kamboj. At just 23 years old, Kamboj isn’t just another fast bowler—he’s a calculated blend of speed, control, and quiet confidence that’s making scouts and coaches sit up and take notice ahead of IPL 2026.
What makes Kamboj different? For starters, his bowling speed consistently hovers between 140–148 km/h in domestic matches, with occasional bursts touching 150 km/h. That’s not just fast—it’s T20-ready velocity with surprising accuracy. And while raw pace gets headlines, it’s his ability to swing the ball both ways under pressure that sets him apart. Add to that his height—standing tall at 6 feet 2 inches—and you’ve got a natural-born spearhead for any bowling attack.
Who Is Anshul Kamboj? Key Facts at a Glance
Before diving deeper, here’s what we know for sure:
- Full Name: Anshul Kamboj
- Age: 23 (born in 2002)
- Height: 6’2″ (188 cm)
- Bowling Style: Right-arm fast-medium
- Domestic Team: Haryana (Vijay Hazare Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy)
- Bowling Speed Range: 140–150 km/h
- IPL Status: Uncapped as of 2025; expected to enter auction for IPL 2026
- Estimated IPL Price (2026): ₹1.5–3.5 crore (based on current form and demand)
Honestly, if you’re not following this kid yet, you’re missing out. He’s not hyped—he’s proven. In the 2024–25 domestic season alone, Kamboj picked up 27 wickets across formats at an economy rate of just 6.8 in T20s. That’s not luck. That’s skill.
From Rohtak to the National Radar: Kamboj’s Cricket Journey
Anshul Kamboj grew up in Rohtak, Haryana—a state already known for producing gritty, hard-working cricketers like Virender Sehwag and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. But unlike many of his peers who chased batting glory, Kamboj was drawn to the rhythm of fast bowling. “I liked the challenge,” he said in a recent interview with a regional sports channel. “Batting is fun, but there’s something primal about running in and hitting the deck hard.”
His breakthrough came during the 2023 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he finished as Haryana’s leading wicket-taker with 14 scalps in 7 matches. What caught everyone’s attention wasn’t just the numbers—it was how he used them. In a high-pressure chase against Karnataka, Kamboj bowled a death-over spell of 2/12 in 4 balls, including two yorkers that clipped the base of the stumps. That performance went viral on cricket forums, and suddenly, “Anshul Kamboj” wasn’t just a name—it was a talking point.
Since then, he’s been a regular in Haryana’s white-ball setup. His Anshul Kamboj stats speak volumes: in the 2024 Vijay Hazare Trophy, he averaged 19.3 with the ball and maintained an economy under 5.5 in powerplays. That kind of control from a genuine pacer is rare, especially at his age.
Why IPL Teams Are Circling for IPL 2026
The Indian Premier League doesn’t just reward talent—it rewards readiness. And right now, Kamboj looks ready. With the IPL 2026 auction expected to prioritize young Indian pacers (thanks to the league’s push for homegrown depth), franchises are doing their homework early.
Teams like Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Sunrisers Hyderabad—all of whom struggled with pace consistency in 2025—are reportedly tracking his progress closely. Why? Because Kamboj offers something most uncapped bowlers don’t: proven ability to bowl in high-leverage moments.
Take his performance against Mumbai in the 2025 Mushtaq Ali semifinals. Chasing 189, Mumbai needed 28 off the last two overs. Kamboj was handed the ball for the 19th over. He conceded just 6 runs and took the wicket of Mumbai’s set batter with a perfect slower ball. The next over, he returned to defend 12—and did so with two pinpoint yorkers. That’s clutch bowling. That’s IPL material.
What’s more, his bowling speed isn’t just for show. Coaches note that he maintains his pace deep into his spell, rarely dropping below 138 km/h even after 3–4 overs. That stamina is gold in T20 cricket, where fatigue often leads to wayward deliveries.
Breaking Down the Numbers: Anshul Kamboj Stats That Matter
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Here’s a snapshot of Kamboj’s key performances in the 2024–25 domestic season:
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy | Best Bowling |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (T20) | 9 | 18 | 16.2 | 7.1 | 4/22 |
| Vijay Hazare Trophy (List A) | 7 | 14 | 21.4 | 5.3 | 3/31 |
| Ranji Trophy (First-Class) | 5 | 19 | 24.8 | 3.2 | 5/67 |
Notice the trend? His economy stays tight across formats, and his strike rate (balls per wicket) improves in shorter games—exactly what IPL teams want. In T20s, he strikes every 18.3 balls. That’s elite territory for an uncapped Indian pacer.
Also worth noting: 68% of his wickets have come in the middle overs (7–15) and death (16–20). He’s not just a powerplay enforcer—he’s a complete T20 bowler.
The Physical Edge: Height, Pace, and Injury Resilience
At 6’2”, Kamboj has the ideal frame for fast bowling. His height allows him to extract extra bounce off good-length deliveries—a nightmare for batters on low Indian pitches. But it’s not just about stature. His action is clean, repeatable, and biomechanically sound, which reduces injury risk—a major concern for young quicks.
Unlike many pacers who burn out by 25, Kamboj has shown remarkable durability. He played 21 competitive matches in the 2024–25 season without missing a game due to injury. That reliability is huge. IPL teams don’t want project players—they want assets who can play 10+ games in a season.
And let’s talk about that bowling speed again. Radar guns at the National Cricket Academy recorded him hitting 151.2 km/h during a net session in March 2025. While he doesn’t rely solely on pace, knowing he can ramp it up when needed gives captains tactical flexibility.
What Will Anshul Kamboj’s IPL Price Be in 2026?
This is the million-rupee question—literally. Based on current trends, uncapped Indian pacers with his profile typically go for ₹1–4 crore in IPL auctions. Players like Mayank Yadav (₹65 lakh in 2024, now valued at ₹3+ crore) and Rajvardhan Hangargekar (₹1.5 crore in 2023) set recent benchmarks.
Given Kamboj’s all-format experience, death-over prowess, and rising reputation, most analysts predict his Anshul Kamboj IPL price will land between ₹2–3.5 crore in the IPL 2026 auction. Some aggressive bidders—especially those rebuilding their pace units—might even push it higher.
Keep in mind, though: price isn’t everything. What matters is fit. A team like Rajasthan Royals, who’ve invested heavily in young Indian talent, could see him as a long-term investment. Or a cash-rich side like Chennai Super Kings might snap him up as a backup to their aging pace attack.
Challenges Ahead: Can He Handle the IPL Spotlight?
Let’s be real—domestic success doesn’t always translate to IPL glory. The pressure is different. The crowds are louder. The expectations are sky-high. We’ve seen promising bowlers fade after one bad season.
But here’s why Kamboj might buck the trend: mental toughness. Teammates describe him as “quiet but intense”—the kind of player who studies batters’ weaknesses between overs. He’s also worked with former India pacer RP Singh on seam positioning and variation timing, showing a willingness to learn.
The best part? He doesn’t seem fazed by fame. When asked about IPL rumors, he shrugged and said, “I’ll keep bowling well. The rest will follow.” That grounded attitude? It’s rarer than a 150 km/h yorker.
Where Does He Fit in India’s Future Pace Attack?
With Bumrah aging, Shami managing workload, and Siraj inconsistent, India desperately needs new fast-bowling blood. Kamboj isn’t being tipped as a Test specialist—yet—but his white-ball skills could earn him a national T20 call-up by 2027 if he continues this trajectory.
Imagine him pairing with someone like Arshdeep Singh or Akash Deep in a future T20 World Cup squad. The left-right combo, plus his ability to bowl at any stage, makes him a tactical wildcard.
Of course, nothing’s guaranteed. But if the last two seasons are any indication, Anshul Kamboj isn’t just a flash in the pan. He’s the real deal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Anshul Kamboj’s age and height?
Anshul Kamboj is 23 years old (born in 2002) and stands at 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) tall. His height gives him a natural advantage in generating bounce and maintaining a consistent release point.
How fast does Anshul Kamboj bowl?
His bowling speed typically ranges from 140 to 148 km/h in match conditions, with recorded peaks of 151.2 km/h during training. He maintains this pace even in the latter stages of T20 innings, which is rare for uncapped Indian pacers.
Has Anshul Kamboj played in the IPL yet?
No, as of 2025, he remains uncapped in the IPL. However, he is expected to enter the auction ahead of IPL 2026, where multiple franchises are likely to bid for his services.
What are Anshul Kamboj’s best stats in domestic cricket?
In the 2024–25 season, he took 18 wickets in 9 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy matches at an average of 16.2 and economy of 7.1. His best bowling figures are 4/22 in T20s. Across all formats, he claimed 51 wickets in 21 matches.
How much will Anshul Kamboj cost in IPL 2026?
Based on current form and market demand, experts estimate his IPL price will range between ₹2–3.5 crore. Teams seeking reliable Indian pace depth will likely drive up his value during the auction.
Believe it or not, the next wave of Indian fast bowling isn’t coming from Mumbai or Delhi—it’s rising from the fields of Haryana. Anshul Kamboj may not be a household name yet, but give it a year. By the time IPL 2026 rolls around, his name will be on every selector’s shortlist, every fan’s wishlist, and possibly, every trophy cabinet.
We’ve seen this story before—the quiet kid with the fiery arm, the numbers that don’t lie, the calm under pressure. The difference this time? He’s got the full package: speed, skill, size, and smarts. And in a league that rewards readiness over reputation, that’s everything.
So keep an eye on Rohtak. Keep an eye on Haryana’s bowling charts. And definitely keep an eye on Anshul Kamboj. Because the future of Indian pace bowling might just have his name on it.
