Dad hated cricket but Khaleel played on to realise India dream
NEW DELHI: Khaleel Ahmed, the surprise pick in India’s Asia Cup squad, almost gave up cricket before entering the teens. The left-arm pacer from Tonk, Rajasthan, however persisted to earn a national call-up.
After a decent showing for India ‘A’ in the tri-series in England (six wickets in three matches) as well as the Quadrangular ‘A’ series at home (seven wickets), the 20-year-old got the nod.
“I joined the Tonk Cricket Academy, run by Imtiaz Ali, without informing my parents when I was nine. Though my mother and uncle loved cricket, my father was against it,” said Khaleel over the phone.
Imtiaz gave an insight into the challenges the boy faced. “He stopped coming to the academy after a few days. I met him and Khaleel said he was scolded for joining the academy. I went to his father, who was sceptical about a Tonk boy making it big in cricket. I requested him to let Khaleel play for some time. There was no looking back after that,” he said.
Khaleel has played two firstclass matches, 17 List A and 12 T20s for Rajasthan. He was picked by Sunrisers Hyderabad for Indian Premier League 2018 for R3 crore, and was part of the Rishabh Pant-led India team at the 2016 U-19 World Cup.
“I have improved on my swing and pace from the U-19 days. Dur- ing the last Mushtaq Ali T20, I touched 148 kmph. I have also worked on deliveries that swing late. As the Asia Cup is happening in UAE, it will be a chance to showcase my skills on pitches which do not help a fast bowler. If I can take wickets on those pitches, it shall help consolidate my place in the senior side,” said Khaleel.
Working with Zaheer Khan and Rahul Dravid, India A and U-19 coach, has helped Khaleel. “Rahul Dravid is never negative. He always backs a player’s strength and make us understand which can be helpful. I was part of Delhi Daredevils in 2016 and 2017. It was encouraging to work with Zaheer. He helped improve my seam position,” he said.
Over the years, Khaleel has become more receptive, feels Imtiaz. “When he came to my academy, Khaleel played as if the opponent was an enemy. I advised him to keep his aggression in check. He has matured.”