Left-arm seamer Khaleel Ahmed impressed one and all with his pace and bounce in the recently concluded Asia Cup 2018 and now has eyes set for 2019 World Cup selection, as India takes on West Indies in the first ODI of the five-match series on Oct 21.

"It's a good preparation for me for the World Cup. I want to take as many wickets as I can in the ODIs leading up to the World Cup. It will also boost my confidence and I will be under less pressure if I am picked for the World Cup," Khaleel said ahead of India's first ODI against West Indies on Sunday.

"I think I became a better bowler with his (Zaheer's) advice," the 20-year-old Khaleel said. Khaleel had a stint with Delhi Daredevils in IPL with Zaheer Khan as the mentor.

"I have spent a lot of time with Zaheer bhai during my two-year stint at the Delhi Daredevils. We played in different conditions during IPL and he always kept discussing on how to bowl on different surfaces," he added.

"I was very nervous (for my debut) as my first tournament happened to be a big tournament like the Asia Cup. There was pressure. But after doing well on debut, I felt I could go further," Khaleel, who picked up 3/48 on his ODI debut against Hong Kong.

"I never have a feel that I'm a junior in the side. Seniors support me well. Everyone keeps talking to me and boost my confidence," he concluded.  

(Inputs: PTI)