Asia Cup 2018: Who is Indian cricketer Khaleel Ahmed?
The BCCI, on Saturday, announced a 16-member Indian squad for the Asia Cup 2018, starting in September. Skipper Virat Kohli has been rested keeping the workload in mind and in his absence, Rohit Sharma will lead the Men in Blue. In the pace bowling department, there is a surprise inclusion in the form of Khaleel Ahmed. Here we look at the player.
Rajasthan's Khaleel is a pace bowler
Khaleel Ahmed is a 20-year-old pace bowler, who has played 17 List A games and two First-class matches. The energetic and raw pacer was born on December 5, 1997 in Tonk, Rajasthan. He has grown through the Rajasthan junior cricket set-up representing the state in U-16 and U-19 tournaments. Khaleel has also featured in India U-19 squad besides being a part of India A.
A look at Khaleel's career so far
In 17 List A matches, Khaleel has 28 wickets with a best of 4/35. He averages 22.50 with the ball. In two first-class games, the 20-year-old rookie has two wickets to his name. Khaleel has also been part of 12 T20 matches and has picked 17 scalps with a top performance of 4/12. He comes in as the fourth pacer of the side.
Khaleel impressed for India A recently
The youngster has earned praise from the likes of Zaheer Khan and Rahul Dravid. He is an out and out fast bowler and is one player to watch for along with top talents like Shivam Mavi and Kamlesh Nagarkoti. He recently represented India A in the Quadrangular trophy. He picked up 7 wickets in four matches, which included a best of 3/45.
Khaleel has the promise to bowl serious pace
As per reports, Khaleel's ability to bowl fast can be traced back to his tennis ball days. Earlier this year in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Khaleel clocked 148 kmph in one of the matches. He took 17 wickets for his side. He has also been a part of Delhi Daredevils and was mentored by Khan. He was bought by SRH in 2018.
Left-arm pacer Khaleel might soon find a place in XI
Khaleel gained prominence in the 2016 edition of the ICC U-19 World Cup. Against Pakistan in a warm-up game, he picked 5/30 to hand his side a victory. The Indian team want a left-arm pacer and that's where Khaleel comes into picture.
