New Chandigarh, October 3, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Star batter Virat Kohli presented fast bowler Anshul Kamboj with his maiden ODI cap ahead of the third match against the West Indies at the New PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh on Saturday, encouraging the young pacer to believe in his abilities.
Kamboj became the 266th player to represent India in One-Day Internationals. He has already featured in Test cricket for the national team, making his debut during the Manchester Test against England last year.
Congratulating Kamboj during the team huddle, Kohli highlighted the pacer’s consistency, clarity of thought and performances in domestic and franchise cricket.
“Anshul, big congratulations to you, Cap 266. We know you already played Test cricket for India. The reason is that, because of your consistency and clarity of thought, you got the opportunity to represent India in the whites, which is the greatest honour. But very few people get to become multi-format players,” Kohli said in a video shared on the BCCI’s social media accounts.
Praising Kamboj’s bowling skills in white-ball cricket, including his performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Kohli urged him to maintain confidence in his abilities and assured him of the team’s support.
“Believe in yourself in the same way; we’ll all back you,” Kohli said, describing the occasion as a proud moment for the young fast bowler and his family.
Kamboj, who hails from Karnal, Haryana, joined the Indian squad on Friday after being withdrawn from India A’s second four-day match against Australia A in Puducherry. His inclusion followed the injury to fast bowler Prasidh Krishna, who was ruled out after sustaining a left hamstring injury in the second ODI in Guwahati.
Kamboj, who has made a mark in domestic cricket for Haryana and in the IPL, expressed happiness at making his ODI debut.
“Obviously, it’s a dream of a player to play for his national team. So I’m feeling quite good, and I’m just looking to make sure that I play a good level of cricket,” he said.
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