IND v WI 2018: Enjoy bowling with responsibility, says Khaleel Ahmed

Khaleel returned with match figures of 2/30 in Lucknow and helped India seal the series 2-0 before the third T20I at Chennai.

Khaleel bowled in the powerplay and the move from Rohit Sharma paid off | AP

Following his good showing in the just concluded five-match ODI series with a very fine performance in the ongoing T20I tussle with West Indies, left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed says that he is enjoying the vote of confidence bestowed by the team management and, feels extra motivated and satisfied bowling when the responsibility enhances. 

Khaleel bowled alongside veteran Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the powerplay and returned with match figures of 2/30 from his 4 overs, in India's defence of 196 and helped the Rohit Sharma led side eventually win the game by 71 runs in the second T20I at Lucknow on Tuesday, November 6. 

"I had more responsibility today as I was bowling with the new ball. I enjoy the responsibility a lot. When I was young, I always dreamt of playing for India and now I have achieved that. If I feel pressure now I can't perform to my potential," the youngster said afterwards in the post-match presentation ceremony, "My only aim is to do well for India and for that I need to enjoy my game. I am confident of my abilities. If you enjoy your game, hunger to do well, will also increase."

Khaleel, when asked how big an influence Indian Premier League was in acquainting him with a better understanding of how to bowl under pressure at this level, said, "Playing in the IPL gives one a lot of experience when you come into the Indian team. You don't have to make too many changes to your game because you already have shared the dressing room with international players."

"When you come into the Indian team, by then you had already learned professionalism and know how to correct your mistakes. The IPL is of big help," he signed off. 

With series already in the bag, India now looks to inflict a series whitewash over the defending world champions at Chennai on Sunday, November 11. 

(Inputs from PTI)

 
 

By Kashish Chadha - 08 Nov, 2018

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