Anshul Kamboj And? CSK Stars Who Got India Breakthrough After Stellar IPL Season

Anshul Kamboj drafted in India squad [Source: @ReplySensei/x.com]

The Chennai Super Kings is one of the most successful franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL), and representing them is a huge honour for any player, as their career skyrockets once they feature for the Yellow Army. Over the last 18 years, countless careers have been revived and numerous players have gotten their big breakthrough after playing for CSK.

Under the astute guidance of MS Dhoni, CSK has produced world-class players (both Indian and international) and in this article, we will focus on three Indian star, who either received India call-up or got their careers revived after playing for the 5-time champions, CSK.

1) Anshul Kamboj

The wily pacer had a breakout IPL season in 2025 as the seamer caught everyone's attention with his simple bowling action and the ability to generate extra pace after pitching the ball. There was a lot of buzz when CSK roped him in their team and the youngster lived up to the expectations.

(Kamboj stats in IPL 2025)

• He only picked up 8 wickets in the league but his ability to trouble batters with sudden pace and a bit of extra bounce caught the eyes of the Indian selectors. The right-arm pacer bowled at lines and lengths which were suitable for Test match cricket and was quickly drafted in the India A squad for England tour.
• He performed exceedingly well in the two unofficial Tests but was flown back to India when the Test matches commenced. However, with injuries to Arshdeep and Akash Deep, the selectors decided to bring him back to the Indian side and he could make his debut in Manchester.

2) R Ashwin

R Ashwin and CSK's relation goes back to the 2009 IPL season when the Chennai-based side acquired a young spinner in their ranks. Since then, Ashwin has gone on to become IPL champions with CSK and also represented India in all three formats of the game.

He only played two matches in the 2009 season, but it was the year 2010 that was a breakout one for him. 

(Ashwin stats in IPL 2025)

• In the 2010 campaign, which CSK won, Ashwin scalped 13 wickets in 12 matches, at an economy of 6.10. This was noticed by the selectors and within few months, the spinner made his India debut.

3) Ajinkya Rahane

For almost a good part of 2010-2020, Ajinkya Rahane was one of the first names on the teamsheet in Test cricket. However, a decline in form and a change in leadership led to his outcast in 2022 as Rahane was no longer required in red-ball cricket. He only played a solitary Test in 2022 and then came the change at the start of 2023.

CSK bought his services for that IPL season, and Rahane was instilled with great confidence as he revolutionised his T20 batting.

(Rahane stats in IPL 2023)

• MSD gave him confidence and Rahane unleashed himself by scoring 326 runs at a strike rate of 172.49, his highest in any IPL season. Selectors noticed him and he was once again drafted in the Test squad for the WTC final 2023, where Rahane was India's lone shining light.

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