Chennai Super Kings may be navigating a mixed IPL 2026 season, but one player is turning heads with every delivery. Medium-pacer Anshul Kamboj has emerged as the team's bowling sensation, leading the attack with 17 wickets in just nine matches at an impressive economy rate of 7.54. His latest performance—a stunning 3-32 against Mumbai Indians—showcased exactly why he's become CSK's go-to bowler in the most pressure-packed moments of the game.
What sets Kamboj apart is his mastery of the death overs, cricket's most high-stakes phase. On Saturday at Chepauk, he dismissed Robin Minz and Hardik Pandya in the 18th and 20th overs, becoming the first bowler this season to claim 10 wickets in the death overs. It's a testament to his relentless preparation and tactical intelligence. The right-armer has been circling around the stumps, particularly against right-handed batters, varying his lengths with surgical precision and landing yorkers with remarkable consistency.
Head coach Stephen Fleming isn't surprised by Kamboj's rise. "Last year, he was really good," Fleming noted. "He's worked hard with Eric Simons (bowling coach) around the concept of death bowling and has worked during the year to master that." This dedication echoes the kind of focused development that turns promising players into match-winners.
Kamboj's journey hasn't been without setbacks. In IPL 2025, he took eight wickets in eight games at an economy of 8.00. A subsequent India Test debut against England didn't yield the results he'd hoped for. But after Khaleel Ahmed's injury opened a door in CSK's pace attack, Kamboj stepped through with renewed determination and sharper skills.
Fleming highlighted the pre-season work that laid the foundation. "During pre-season, he bowled with open wickets and we got an understanding of the angles—what he can and can't do from certain sides of the wicket, and it has worked out well."
With India's packed cricket calendar ahead, Kamboj's stellar form could soon earn him another national call-up. Yet the young bowler remains focused on what matters most: team success. Before the MI clash, he said simply: "My complete focus is on how to contribute to the team's win." That selfless mindset, combined with his death-over brilliance, makes Anshul Kamboj a name to watch—and a player who could redefine CSK's bowling attack for seasons to come.