Live Update: “Anshul Kamboj is slightly ahead” – Aakash Chopra analyzes India’s bowling dilemma ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup Aakash Chopra analyzes Indian bowlers and the competition between Anshul Kamboj and Auqib Nabi for a place in the 2027 ODI World Cup squad.
(Photo Source: BCCI) India’s search for a seam bowler who can contribute with the bat at number eight has become a key issue ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. The team has tested the squads in the last few games with Harshit Rana missing out due to injury during the West Indies’ ODI series. This opened the door for other candidates to secure a spot on the team.
Aakash Chopra has weighed in on the Indian bowling dilemma and shared his take on the oons available. Anshul Kamboj and Auqib Nabi played one game each in the three-match series against the West Indies, giving the team a chance to assess their credentials. Chopra’s analysis sheds light on how selectors might think about the composition of the bowling attack.
“They have fielded three bowlers who can enable you to bat at No. 1. They swore they needed a No. 1 hitter. 8, and I agree,” Chopra said in a video shared on her YouTube channel.
“From this point of view, Harshit Rana is the favorite. He is a bit expensive at times but he is a wicket-taker. I am making a statement in favor of Harshit Rana,” he added.
Harshit Rana’s absence opens the door to alternatives. Rana’s injury has led to uncertainty over whether India is the first choice for the role. Chopra acknowledged the challenge selectors face when the preferred candidate is unavailable. The analyst then turned his attention to the two players who have been presented with opportunities in recent games.
“However, his problem is the same as Hardik’s. He is having big layoffs. It’s a struggle,” Chopra said.
Two candidates have emerged as potential candidates for the role of seam bowling all-rounder in the recent West Indies series. Anshul Kamboj made his ODI debut in the third match of the series in New Chandigarh after being withdrawn from India A’s second four-day match against Australia A in Puducherry. Kamboj joined the team as a replacement for Prasidh Krishna, who was ruled out with a left hamstring injury.
The former replaced Nabi in the playing eleven for the third ODI. “Two names because only two were used. One is Anshul Kamboj and the other is Auqib Nabi.
The sample size is on par but if you look at their style of play, Anshul Kamboj is slightly ahead. Anshul Kamboj has something more from an ODI cricket perspective,” he added. The fundamental bowling attack for the Pears in the 2027 World Cup has been sorted out, according to Chopra.
Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav form the foundation of India’s pace and spin-ons. Prasidh Krishna also figures prominently in the plans, but questions remain over the fifth pacer and the balance between specialist bowlers and all-rounders. “Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav are a no-brainer.
Don’t talk about them at all. They should be part of your team,” Aakash said. “Put Prasidh Krishna in this list.
You still have questions to answer. If you retain Nitish Kumar Reddy, you cannot turn to Washington Sundar,” he added. The selection puzzle extends to the fifth Pacer slot, where multiple candidates compete for recognition.
Chopra expressed uncertainty about the relative position of candidates like Gurnoor Brar and Mohammed Siraj. The final composition of the bowling unit will depend on how India balances the need for specialist bowlers and the value of all-rounders who can contribute with the bat. “There could be a decision between a fifth leader and Washington Sundar or an additional batsman.
Looking at the fifth leader, I feel like Gurnoor Brar is slightly ahead at the moment, or at least because he shouldn’t be. I think Siraj should be by his side,” said the cricketer-turned-commentator.
