Former India head coach Ravi Shastri overlooked teenage pace phenom, Umran Malik, when discussing probable bowlers for India’s T20 World Cup selection, instead choosing Delhi Capitals’ Khaleel Ahmed to fly to Australia after his outstanding showing with the ball in the present IPL 2022.
In 2018 and 2019, Khaleel Ahmed played 11 ODIs and 14 T20Is for a total of 28 runs and remained on the expensive side. He dropped off the national team’s radar after that due to form and fitness issues.
Ravi Shastri wants Khaleel Ahmed in Team India
The left-arm seamer has made a triumphant return and is knocking on the selectors’ door once more. Despite the high-scoring matches in the IPL 2022, Khaleel has thrived under Rishabh Pant’s captaincy, taking up 16 wickets in eight matches and conceding at a superb economy rate of 7.75. Khaleel has the greatest bowling average of all the Delhi Capitals bowlers at 15.5.
Ravi Shastri is keen to have Khaleel Ahmed in India’s T20 World Cup squad, having been impressed by the 24-year-performances old’s in the tournament, his use of the slower ball and its variations, and, in particular, his left-arm angle, which the national team has lacked since T Natarajan’s injury-forced absence, and expressed his liking for the youngster during the tournament.
Khaleel has been effusive in his appreciation for Rishabh Pant, his DC captain, who has received recognition from his teammates for his great leadership and man-management off the field.
“I am enjoying playing under Rishabh Pant’s captaincy. I have played with him before so the communication with him is very good and Rishabh Pant understands what bowlers want. So, he is not forceful as a captain,” Khaleel said.
“He is very flexible and understands whenever he discusses something about cricket. If he feels that bowler is confident then he backs them. In this way, better results come in bowling. So, I feel that he is doing very good. In times to come after captaining more matches he will get better.” he added.
