India vs West Indies: Khaleel Ahmed, symbol of rising Indian stocks | Cricket News

GUWAHATI: It was not so long ago, it was unthinkable that India could have a second set of fast bowlers, as the country barely had enough to call them the first chain. But we have lived until the National Selection Committee can rest on the spearheads Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah, and still has three players in the team.

India's riches in speed were further highlighted when Shardul Thakur was suddenly injured during the test debut and was replaced in the ODI team against the West Indies by a man with some experience to his credit, accompanied by a shot at 10 yards. in the second test. With the approach of the World Cup, Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri can now afford to look for variety, for example. a pacer of the left arm. This puts Khaleel Ahmed in the equation.

After a decent debut in the Asian Cup, the lean 20-year-old is looking to consolidate himself within the team for the World Cup and declares that his greatest contribution during this adventure is to realize his dream. is the lesson of the best left arm coach of India – Zaheer Khan.

"I spent a lot of time with Zaheer Bhai during my two-day stay in Delhi Daredevils," says Khaleel. "We played in different conditions during the Indian Premier League and he always discussed how to play on different terrains.I think I matured through his help."

"My immediate goal is to consolidate my place for the Australian series, the World Cup is upon us and bowling in Australia would be a good preparation," he adds. "I want to take as many wickets as I can in ODI leading to the World Cup, which will strengthen my self-confidence and I will be less under pressure if I'm chosen for the World Cup."

Asked about his differences from other left-arm pacers that India has recently used, such as Jaydev Unadkat and Barinder Sran, Khaleel said, "My strength is the pace. Helps get more wickets You need a fast thrower, especially a left-arm rider I think all these factors have been thought of.

Guwahati weather makes him confident for his first participation at the ODI at Barsapara Stadium on Sunday. "The weather is good here, there is a bit of cold in the air [the maximum temperature was 28 degree Celsius on Friday, while the minimum was 18] conditions seem to favor the swing and there will be good portages," he hoped.

The young Khaleel admitted that his debut was nervous, but the elders did not let him feel uncomfortable. "My first tournament was the Asian Cup, I was very nervous. There was pressure. But having played well at first, I felt that I could progress. I never felt like a junior on the team. Senior players support me. me to strengthen my confidence, "he revealed.