Anshul Kamboj was the star of India’s win in the first ODI against New Zealand at Eden Park on Wednesday, November 4. The Haryana pacer returned figures of 10-2-22-2, the most economical full 10-over spell by an Indian bowler in men’s ODIs since 2016, and was named Player of the Match as India won by five wickets.
Behind the tall fast bowler from Karnal is a farming family that backed his dream from the very start. Here is everything about Anshul Kamboj’s family, his father Udham Singh, his early struggles and his match-winning spell in Auckland.
Anshul Kamboj: Quick Facts
| Full name | Anshul Kamboj |
| Date of birth | December 6, 2000 |
| Age | 25 |
| Hometown | Fazilpur village, Indri, Karnal district, Haryana |
| Father | Udham Singh (farmer) |
| Mother | Pinki Kamboj |
| Brother | Sanyam |
| Childhood coach | Satish Rana |
| Height | 1.87 m (6 ft 2 in) |
| Role | Right-arm fast-medium bowler |
| Domestic team | Haryana |
| IPL team | Chennai Super Kings |
Anshul Kamboj Family
Anshul Kamboj comes from a simple farming family in Fazilpur, a village in the Indri area of Karnal district in Haryana. His family still has strong roots in the village, and his success has made the whole area proud.
Anshul Kamboj’s Father Udham Singh
His father, Udham Singh, is a farmer. He is a cricket lover himself and was the first person to notice his son’s passion for the game. Instead of asking Anshul to join him in the fields, Udham Singh encouraged him to take up cricket seriously and supported his training from a young age.
That decision changed Anshul’s life. From a farmer’s son practising on the dusty grounds of his village, he went on to play Test cricket for India and is now winning ODI matches for the country.
Anshul Kamboj’s Mother Pinki Kamboj
His mother, Pinki Kamboj, has been a quiet source of strength for the family. When Anshul was called up to India’s Test squad for the England tour in 2025, his parents were reported to be praying at home for his success and for the team.
Anshul Kamboj’s Brother Sanyam
Anshul has a brother named Sanyam, who has spoken about how hard his younger days were. According to Sanyam, Anshul would leave home in the morning, spend the whole day at the cricket academy and only come back at night to sleep.
When Anshul got his first India call-up, Sanyam said, “It is a matter of great happiness. Our whole family is happy. We have no words to say.”
Early Life and Struggles
Anshul’s love for cricket started very early. As a young boy, he was often seen practising barefoot with a ball in his village. His family put him into formal training at a young age, and he joined a cricket academy in Karnal under coach Satish Rana.
Reports say he would wake up at 4 am and walk around 8 km to reach the academy, while also keeping up with his studies. He trained under Rana for about 15 years, slowly turning into one of the most consistent fast bowlers in Indian domestic cricket.
His coach has always been proud of him. “Anshul has worked hard since childhood,” Rana said when Anshul was picked for India. “It is a moment of great pride for us. I still remember his childhood days.” Rana added that the family’s goal was not just for Anshul to become a good player, but also a good person.
When he got the news of his Test call-up, Anshul told his family on the phone, “This is a dream come true, not just for me, but for my entire village and family.”
Anshul Kamboj’s Heroics in the 1st ODI vs New Zealand
| Match | New Zealand vs India, 1st ODI |
| Venue | Eden Park, Auckland |
| Date | November 4, 2026 |
| Figures | 10 overs, 2 maidens, 22 runs, 2 wickets |
| Economy | 2.20 |
| Dot balls | 46 out of 60 |
| Wickets | Mitchell Santner and Nathan Smith |
| Award | Player of the Match |
India chose to bowl first in a rain-hit match, and Kamboj gave New Zealand almost nothing. He gave away just one run in his first two overs, including a maiden, and kept the pressure on throughout. Of the 60 balls he bowled, 46 were dot balls.
He removed New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner and Nathan Smith as the hosts were bowled out for 185 in 40.2 overs. Virat Kohli’s 74 off 51 balls then helped India chase the revised target of 143 in 32 overs with five wickets to spare.
A Record Spell
Kamboj’s 22 runs in 10 overs is the fewest conceded by an Indian bowler in a full 10-over ODI spell since 2016. At Auckland, only Javagal Srinath has done better for India, when he gave away just 13 runs in a 10-over spell at the same ground.
Kamboj said his plan was simple: stick to a consistent line and length and use his natural bounce and wobble seam to keep the batters uncomfortable. Captain Shubman Gill praised him and Gurnoor Brar for making the most of the conditions. Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar also praised Kamboj’s spell, pointing out how much his pace has improved since the England tour, where he was bowling at around 127 to 130 kph.
Anshul Kamboj Cricket Career
Kamboj made his first-class debut for Haryana in February 2022. He shot to fame in November 2024 when he took all 10 wickets in an innings against Kerala in the Ranji Trophy, becoming only the third bowler ever to do so in the competition. He was also named Player of the Tournament in the 2024-25 Duleep Trophy after taking 16 wickets in three matches for India C.
In the IPL, he played for Mumbai Indians in 2024 before Chennai Super Kings bought him for Rs 3.4 crore at the 2025 mega auction. He made his Test debut against England at Old Trafford in July 2025, and his first Test wicket was Ben Duckett.
From the fields of Fazilpur to Player of the Match at Eden Park, Anshul Kamboj’s journey is a story of a farmer’s son whose family believed in him, and whose hard work is now paying off on the biggest stage.
FAQs
Who is Anshul Kamboj’s father?
Anshul Kamboj’s father is Udham Singh, a farmer from Fazilpur village in Karnal district, Haryana.
What is the name of Anshul Kamboj’s mother?
His mother’s name is Pinki Kamboj.
Does Anshul Kamboj have siblings?
Yes, he has a brother named Sanyam.
Where is Anshul Kamboj from?
He is from Fazilpur village in the Indri area of Karnal district, Haryana.
What were Anshul Kamboj’s figures in the 1st ODI vs New Zealand?
He took 2 wickets for 22 runs in 10 overs, including 2 maidens, and was named Player of the Match.