He is a bowler of the class of legendary India pacers Zaheer Khan and Jasprit Bumrah who could become a long-term asset for the national team. Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has bet big on uncapped Anshul Kamboj, hailing him as a rare breed of fast bowler who is not only skillful but also understands the game, contemplates plans, and executes them with precision. Anshul has been drafted into the Indian squad currently touring England ahead of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester, after all-rounder Nitish Reddy and pacers Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh suffered injuries last week.

"The appreciable thing about Anshul is that he understands the plan. I have seen so many fast bowlers — if you ask them about the plan, they just say they want to express themselves and enjoy the game," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel Ash Ki Baat.

"But Anshul understands plans and also knows how to execute in the middle. It's not a trait many fast bowlers possess. Zaheer Khan was one of them. He was amazing," added the spinner, who took 537 wickets in Test cricket.

"In recent times, Jassi (Bumrah) is one player who understands the plans and executes them to perfection. Anshul belongs to that variety. I'm not comparing skills because skills are a very different thing," Ashwin stated.

Deadly combination

Anshul was added to the Indian squad after impressing in the India A series against England Lions. Across four innings at Northampton and Canterbury, he picked up five wickets, showcasing his ability to bowl with late movement and bounce.

"He has a very good tappa (right length). I have seen that in the IPL. His wrist position is very good, and he delivers a very upright seam. He never leaves his tappa. With Bumrah and Siraj there, if you are bringing in Anshul Kamboj into the playing XI, I'm telling you, it's a serious bowling," said Ashwin.

The 38-year-old also said that Anshul will be a big asset for India in England, given that he has been in "cracking form" and could form a deadly combination with Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj in the fourth Test.

"If you are going to bring Anshul Kamboj into the XI, I am telling you this is a serious bowling attack," Ashwin said, highlighting Anshul's domestic exploits, including a 10-wicket haul in an innings against Kerala last year in a Ranji Trophy match at Lahli.

"People will say that Anshul will play his first Test. He hasn't played in England, but he was there on the A tour. He has been in cracking form in first-class cricket. He is averaging around 13. He took 10 wickets in an innings," he added.

Ashwin noted that Kamboj’s ability to bowl long spells will be valuable in English conditions. "Anshul has a habit of bowling long spells. You need that in England. He will be a good foil for Bumrah and Siraj. Prasidh is an option, but I would go for Anshul. We were impressed with him. His wrist is really good," he said.

However, Ashwin cautioned that the Indian team management will need to help Kamboj handle the pressure if he makes his debut.

"One thing the management will have to look after is calming Anshul's nerve," he said. India now face a must-win situation in England after losing the Lord's Test by 22 runs and currently trailing 1-2 in the series. The fourth Test starts on Wednesday.

(With PTI inputs)