Khaleel Khursheed Ahmed, a left-arm medium pacer and opening bowler for the Indian cricket team, has emerged as a promising talent in the world of cricket. Born on December 5, 1997, in Tonk, Rajasthan, Khaleel has showcased his skills and abilities on various platforms, impressing both selectors and fans alike.
Khaleel first caught the attention of the cricketing fraternity when he represented the India Under-19s team. His exceptional performances in the Tri-Nation Under-19s tournament in Colombo in 2015 earned him 12 wickets in just three innings. Notably, his remarkable figures of 3 for 29 against Sri Lanka in the final of the tournament played a crucial role in India’s victory. This outstanding display of bowling prowess earned him a spot in the Under-19 World Cup squad in 2016.
Although Khaleel couldn’t replicate his impressive wicket-taking form during the World Cup, he remained a regular figure in the team, proving his consistency and determination. His ability to consistently swing the ball and maintain control over his line and length made him a valuable asset to the side.
In the same year, Khaleel made his foray into the Indian Premier League (IPL) when he was bought by the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) for INR 10 lakh. This move not only provided him with an opportunity to showcase his skills on a grand stage but also allowed him to work closely with Rahul Dravid, who served as the India Under-19 coach and is also the Daredevils’ team mentor. Under Dravid’s guidance, Khaleel was able to fine-tune his bowling technique and gain valuable insights from the experienced cricketer.
Khaleel’s performances in the IPL have been impressive. He has consistently delivered crucial breakthroughs for his team and displayed great composure and accuracy in his bowling. His ability to generate short bursts of pace and swing the ball in both directions has troubled many top batsmen in the league. His improved performance in the IPL earned him recognition and made him a formidable force to reckon with.
Outside the IPL, Khaleel’s achievements continued to grow. He earned his maiden call-up to the Indian senior team for the Asia Cup in 2018. Khaleel made an instant impact, grabbing the attention of fans and selectors with his skillful bowling. In the tournament, he showcased his ability to exploit the conditions and trouble the batsmen with his variations. Although he is still relatively young in his international career, Khaleel has displayed immense potential that suggests he could become a vital cog in the Indian cricket team’s bowling attack.
Khaleel Khursheed Ahmed is a talented and dedicated left-arm medium pacer whose skills and abilities have earned him recognition at various levels of cricket. His remarkable performances in the Under-19 circuit, coupled with his consistent displays in the IPL and international cricket, have established him as a force to be reckoned with. With the right guidance and ample opportunities, Khaleel has the potential to carve a successful career in the world of cricket and contribute significantly to the success of the Indian cricket team in the coming years.