In the thrilling second round of the Duleep Trophy, a riveting match between India B and India C unfolded, capturing the attention of cricket enthusiasts. On the fourth day of this high-stakes contest held in Anantapur, bowler Anshul Kamboj from India C made headlines by achieving an extraordinary feat: claiming 8 wickets in a single innings. His remarkable performance cost only 69 runs over the course of 27.5 overs, marking a historic moment in the tournament.
A Milestone Performance
With this outstanding achievement, Anshul Kamboj etched his name into the annals of Duleep Trophy history, becoming only the third fast bowler ever to accomplish such a feat. Previously, only two others, Ashok Dinda and Debasis Mohanty, managed to take 8 wickets in an innings. Dinda recorded this accomplishment in 2012, taking 8 wickets for 123 runs, while Mohanty achieved an incredible 10 wickets for just 46 runs back in 2001.
Impactful Bowler
Kamboj wreaked havoc on India B’s batting line-up during the third and fourth days of the match. Known for his fast bowling skills as a standout player for Haryana in domestic cricket, he dismissed Mushir Khan, one of the tournament’s top batsmen, for just 1 run on the third day. Alongside eliminating notable players like Sarfaraz Khan and Rinku Singh, he concluded the day with a remarkable tally of 5 wickets.
Dominance on Day Four
On the fourth and final day, Kamboj continued his impressive run by claiming 3 lower-order wickets in the first session, bringing his final tally to 8. Thanks to his exceptional bowling, India C, led by captain Rituraj Gaikwad, posted an impressive total of 525 runs in their first innings. The batting lineup also showcased strong performances, with significant contributions from Ishan Kishan, who scored a century, while Baba Indrajit, Gaikwad, and Manav Suthar added half-centuries. On the other hand, India B struggled against Kamboj’s bowling, being bowled out for 332, leading to a substantial first-innings lead of 193 runs for India C.
Future Prospects in IPL
In addition to his success in domestic cricket, Anshul Kamboj has also gained attention from the Indian Premier League (IPL). He was acquired by the Mumbai Indians for a whopping Rs 20 lakh for the upcoming 2024 season. The 23-year-old bowler made his IPL debut against Sunrisers Hyderabad last season, although it was a challenging entry as he participated in only 3 matches, taking 2 wickets but conceding runs at a high rate. With 14 first-class matches under his belt, Kamboj has taken 27 wickets, and in 15 List A matches, he has claimed 23 wickets, showcasing his potential in the competitive landscape of Indian cricket.
Conclusion
Anshul Kamboj’s remarkable achievements in the Duleep Trophy not only highlight his skill and potential as a fast bowler but also set the stage for a promising career ahead. As he continues to develop and showcase his talent in the IPL and beyond, cricket fans eagerly anticipate more thrilling performances from this emerging star.
