At Auckland on November 4, 2026, India defeated New Zealand by five wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. Anshul Kamboj received the Player of the Match award after claiming two wickets for 22 runs from ten overs. However, former India batter Mohammad Kaif has questioned the decision, arguing that left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh's performance merited the honour instead.

Arshdeep finished with four wickets for 70 runs, taking crucial scalps at the top of New Zealand's order when the hosts needed to build momentum. Kaif highlighted the pacer's impact in the early stages of the innings, noting that while his final two overs proved expensive, his overall contribution set the tone for India's victory. Speaking on YouTube, Kaif made a strong case for Arshdeep's recognition.

"Arshdeep was more impressive. He built pressure by picking wickets at the top. Anshul got wickets later on of the lower-order batters. But Arshdeep put New Zealand out of the game by picking early wickets. His two overs at the end were bad, but he took four wickets. I think he deserved to win the Man of the Match. He set the tone of the game upfront," Kaif said on his YouTube channel.

Kaif's assessment centred on the timing and impact of each bowler's contributions. Arshdeep's early breakthroughs disrupted New Zealand's batting plans when the team was building an innings, whereas Kamboj's wickets came against lower-order batsmen in the latter stages. Kaif acknowledged Kamboj's technical excellence but maintained that Arshdeep's role in controlling the match flow warranted the award.

What impressed Kaif about Anshul Kamboj's bowling technique?

Kaif praised Kamboj's technical execution despite his reservations about the award decision. The off-spinner's precision and control throughout his spell demonstrated the value of sound bowling mechanics.

"What I liked about Anshul Kamboj was his release point. The lengths that he hit and the dot balls that he bowled were because of his wrist position, that helps the ball pitch on the seam and get lateral movement. That is why he looked more effective," Kaif explained.

How should the Indian team approach the selection of Auqib Nabi and player rotation?

Kaif cautioned against making hasty judgments based on limited appearances and stressed the importance of giving players adequate opportunities before making changes. He warned that inconsistent selection sends confusing signals to the squad and undermines player development.

"I would want to see Nabi in two more games. If the decision has been taken, there should not be a situation where you drop him for two games and then bring him back. It gives a confusing signal. Give enough chances before bringing someone else in," Kaif said.

Kaif emphasised that early assessment of players is unfair and that the transition from domestic cricket or the Indian Premier League to international cricket requires adjustment time. He noted that performing in the IPL differs significantly from playing for India, and players deserve multiple chances to prove themselves at the highest level.

"I always keep telling we should not judge anyone by one or two games. It is unfair. Playing in the IPL and for India has a lot of difference," Kaif said.

Kaif commended the Indian management for backing both Kamboj and Nabi despite their recent performances. He highlighted that Kamboj had been expensive in his previous ODI appearance, yet the team retained faith in him. Kaif viewed these selection decisions as positive steps that demonstrate the management's willingness to invest in young talent and provide them with opportunities to develop at the international stage.

"I will praise the management for backing Anshul Kamboj and playing him. He was very expensive in his last ODI. We often judge too soon. But I will praise them for backing both Kamboj and Nabi. These are good calls," Kaif concluded.