lekhaka-Biswajit Biswas
IPL 2025: In a season full of surprises, comebacks and high-stakes drama, nothing has made more noise than the return of Mahendra Singh Dhoni to the helm of Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
The legendary captain, known for his ice-cool demeanour and tactical brilliance, wasted no time stamping his authority once again as he made sweeping changes in CSK’s playing XI for their do-or-die clash against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2025.
One particular move sent shockwaves through the cricketing world – MS Dhoni dropping the out-of-form Mukesh Choudhary and handing a debut cap to a young, relatively unknown pacer named Anshul Kamboj. With the yellow brigade in dire need of a win to revive their campaign, Dhoni wasn’t playing it safe. And his handpicked weapon? A 24-year-old speedster with a 10-wicket Ranji Trophy haul to his name.
Who is Anshul Kamboj?
Born on 6 December 2000, Anshul Kamboj is a right-arm fast bowler hailing from Haryana. Prior to joining CSK, Kamboj was part of the Mumbai Indians setup, making his IPL debut in 2024. Although his stint with the Hardik Pandya-led side was brief – just 3 matches with 2 wickets – his swing, control, and sharp bouncers made quite the impression.
But it wasn’t the IPL that truly showcased his prowess. It was the 2024 Ranji Trophy, where he etched his name in Indian cricket folklore by claiming all 10 wickets in a single innings – a feat so rare, only two others before him had managed it. Kamboj ran through the Kerala line-up like a hot knife through butter, taking 8 wickets on Day 2 and completing the job the next morning.
The Auction Tug-of-War
At the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, Anshul Kamboj entered the ring with a base price of just ₹20 lakh. What followed was nothing short of a bidding war, with Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians showing early interest. But it was CSK, with Dhoni’s sharp eye in the background, who ultimately secured him for a jaw-dropping ₹3.8 crore.
It was clear: this wasn’t a fluke buy. It was a strategic investment in raw, domestic firepower.
Stats May Not Shine, But Potential Glows Bright
Kamboj’s IPL numbers don’t jump off the page. In 3 matches in 2024, he bowled 10 overs, gave away 114 runs, and picked up 2 wickets at an economy of 11.40. His best figures stood at 1/24. With the bat, he’s a lower-order hitter with a top score of 2 and a strike rate of 100.00.
But stats rarely tell the full story in cricket. What makes Kamboj special is his skillset:
- Natural outswinger from a high-arm action
- Pinpoint yorkers at the death
- Aggressive intent with ball in hand
- Consistent 140+ km/h pace
- Mentally strong under pressure
It’s these attributes that have earned him comparisons to a young Bhuvneshwar Kumar – but with more pace and flair.
CSK’s Struggles Prompt Dhoni’s Gamble
After a solid start with a win over Mumbai Indians, CSK’s campaign took a nosedive with four consecutive losses to Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, and Royal Challengers Bangalore. The bowling unit, once the pride of the franchise, lacked venom, particularly in the middle and death overs.
With Ruturaj Gaikwad ruled out due to injury, MS Dhoni took matters into his own hands – donning the captain’s hat once again and immediately turning to Anshul Kamboj as his trump card.
CSK Playing XI vs KKR (with Kamboj)
Playing XI: Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, Rahul Tripathi, Vijay Shankar, Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni(w/c), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Khaleel Ahmed.
Chennai Super Kings Impact Subs: Matheesha Pathirana, Jamie Overton, Deepak Hooda, Shaik Rasheed, Kamlesh Nagarkoti
What Next for Kamboj and CSK?
As the tournament moves into its business end, CSK’s path to the playoffs remains tricky. Their bowling needs fire, their attack needs teeth, and Anshul Kamboj just might be the answer. Whether CSK is saving him for strategic fixtures or easing him in slowly, his presence in the XI now means he’s being trusted in high-pressure games.
The big question remains: Will Anshul rise to the occasion? Will he justify the ₹3.8 crore tag? For now, all eyes are on the young Haryana lad who went from a Ranji hero to MS Dhoni’s chosen one.
In the whirlwind world of IPL, this could be the breakout story of the season. And with Dhoni guiding from behind the stumps, don’t be surprised if Anshul Kamboj turns into CSK’s next big match-winner – just like so many unknowns before him.
Story first published: Friday, April 11, 2025, 19:53 [IST]
