Want to perform consistently in lead up to World Cup: Khaleel
The Indian team management is expecting the surface here to have a little more life than other surfaces. Left-arm seamer Khaleel Ahmed, who made his India debut in the Asia Cup last month, said, “The weather is good, it is cool, looks like there will be swing and carry.”
It also means that Khaleel, who hails from Rajasthan and has been part of India U-19, could get an opportunity to play. Both Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah have been rested for the first two ODIs, with Umesh Yadav a late entry to replace Shardul Thakur. Mohammed Shami is the third pacer. While India have been dependent on the spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravindra Jadeja’s return to form has given India another spin option. They won the Asia Cup final with three spinners and two pacers and it remains to be seen if a wicket such as Barsapara, which is going to host its first-ever ODI, will see a change in strategy.
Khaleel has credited Zaheer Khan for helping him through his two years at the Delhi Daredevils. “I was with Zaheer Khan at Delhi Daredevils for two years, spent quite a lot of time with him there.”
The pace bowler seemed quite hopeful of playing in next year’s World Cup. “The seniors have been giving me support and confidence. I want to take as many wickets as possible leading up to the World Cup. It will also boost my confidence if I am selected in the World Cup squad.”
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