Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan lauded India's leading T20I wicket-taker, Arshdeep Singh, for his outstanding performance in white-ball cricket. Pathan identified Khaleel Ahmed as the best alternative to the left-hander's abilities. Pathan singled out Khaleel, the pace attack leader for the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2025 season.
Over the last few years, Arshdeep has established himself as a significant member of India's fast bowling squad. His huge role in India's T20 World Cup victory in 2024, where he finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker with 17 wickets, highlights his importance.
With 99 wickets in 63 appearances, Arshdeep is one wicket short of becoming the first Indian to reach 100 T20I wickets.
Pathan identified Khaleel Ahmed as the leading candidate after evaluating the next best choice that met Arshdeep's profile. He thinks Khaleel is a great left-arm option following Arshdeep because of his ability to bowl between 135 and 140 kph, swing the ball both ways, and produce potent bouncers. According to Pathan, Khaleel meets all of these requirements and keeps getting better.
“Arshdeep (Singh) is our No. 1 bowler in white-ball cricket, and there is no doubt about it. But after Arshdeep, if we must talk about someone who has the skill—and as a left-arm fast bowler, you need a few things like the ability to bowl around the speed of 135-140 kmph, swing the ball both ways, and bowl bouncers—Khaleel ticks all these boxes and is now improving more," Pathan was quoted as saying to Revsportz.
Khaleel Ahmed last played for India in a T20I in 2024 against Sri Lanka, conceding 28 runs in three overs in Pallekele. However, Khaleel shined for CSK in their disappointing IPL 2025 season. He took 15 wickets in 14 games.
Pathan thinks Khaleel has the capacity to give his best effort under pressure. He claimed that Khaleel has the capacity to play at his peak for the next four to five years, highlighting his improved slow bouncer, improved seam position, and increased fitness.
He emphasized the significance of performing in crucial circumstances and being at the right place at the right time. Pathan said he hoped Khaleel would have plenty of success in the years to come.
“He has improved his slow bouncer, his seam position is better, and he has improved his fitness as well. So, he has all the potential to play at his peak, which is right now, and for the next 4-5 years. It’s all about being in the right place at the right time and performing in crucial situations. He had a really good season with CSK, and being there as well does help. Hopefully, he’ll be able to make it really big within the next 5 to 6 years," Irfan Pathan added.
Khaleel Ahmed made his India debut in 2017 but has played only 11 ODIs, taking 15 wickets, and 18 T20Is, taking 16 wickets. He was part of the Indian squad that won the Asia Cup in 2018 in the UAE.
(ANI inputs)
