After the era in which India had three of the most talented and brilliant left-arm pacers in Zaheer Khan, Ashish Nehra, RP Singh, and Irfan Pathan; Khaleel Ahmed has come like a bright light of hope after quite some time.
Khaleel, who comes from Tonk in Rajasthan, has played six ODIs and three T20Is since his ODI debut in September this year. He has impressed with his skills in the 2018 Asia Cup and the recently concluded Windies series. The 20-year-old, in fact, lifted the winning trophies at the Asia Cup and the T20I and ODI series against the West Indies.
“I learned a lot from the series. I am really happy that I got to play two series against the West Indies. The best part is that I got to know how to handle pressure. This is the beginning for me, I have to go a long way,” Khaleel told TOI.
"I am sure we will kick off the Australia series with a win. I am ready to lift the coveted trophy for the fourth time. I can't describe it, but the feeling is amazing when you deliver for your team and then hold the victorious trophy," Khaleel said.
Khaleel has played under three captains for India – Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni, who captained India against Afghanistan in Asia Cup 2018.
“I am lucky (laughs). Virat and Rohit are great players. Dhoni bhai is a legend. They have one similarity, that they give a lot of freedom to youngsters. They guide us and give us a free hand on the field. Dhoni bhai’s guidance from behind the stumps has been of great help. They are all always there when I need any help,” the youngster said.
When asked about Rohit’s captaincy against the West Indies, Khaleel said: “Rohit is a wonderful captain. I enjoyed performing under his leadership. Rohit bhai was observing me in the nets. I was swinging the ball both ways and he was impressed with that. During the match, he came and asked me - naye ball se dalegaa? (Will you bowl with the new ball?). I was happy that my captain showed confidence in me and I grabbed the opportunity with both hands. It was really motivating.”
Khaleel said about bowling with the new ball in Australia: “Absolutely. I will be ready. If my captain will ask me to bowl with the new ball, I will; if with the old, I will. I am ready to bowl at any moment for my team".
About his 2019 World Cup dreams, Khaleel said, “It is every player’s dream to play in a World Cup. It feels great when you represent your country on the big stage and in front of thousands of people in the stadium. I don’t want to think about it now. The decision will be taken by the selectors and my captain. I just want to concentrate on my current performance.”
(With TOI inputs)
