From bylanes of Tonk to corridors of IPL fame
Khaleel Ahmed's initial encounter with India's most lucrative sporting league traces back to 2016, when the Delhi Daredevils secured his services for ₹10 lakh.
Khaleel Ahmed's introduction to India's most lucrative sporting league dates back to 2016 when the Delhi Daredevils acquired the left-arm pacer for ₹10 lakh. However, for two seasons, securing a spot in the final eleven proved elusive.
Undeterred, Khaleel persisted, confident that his dedication would eventually grant him the opportunity to showcase his skills before an enthusiastic crowd.
Fast forward to January 2018, and the IPL auction room in Bengaluru witnessed a pivotal moment.
Richard Madley's resonant voice declared, "Sold for three hundred (₹3 crore). Thank you, Sunrisers Hyderabad."
The ceremonial mallet had made its decisive strike.
In Tonk, a city 95 km south of Jaipur, jubilation erupted at the Blair Cricket Academy as news of Khaleel's inclusion in a new IPL side spread.
Among those celebrating, none was happier than Imtiyaz Ali Khan, the astute talent scout who had recognised Khaleel's potential years earlier.
Expressing gratitude upon his return to the village, Khaleel went beyond words, making a meaningful gesture.
Imtiyaz recalls, "The moment Khaleel got the contract, he got me a 56-inch LED TV. A coach should always extend his hand for giving and not taking."
Clarifying his gesture, Khaleel stated, "This is not a gift. This is just to watch me play on the big screen."
Despite gaining international recognition with the coveted India cap during the 2018 Asia Cup, Khaleel remains a down-to-earth person, according to Imtiyaz.
There were challenges along the way, including setbacks in the IPL and exclusion from the national team in 2019.
But his triumphant return to the Delhi franchise (now Capitals) in 2022, claiming 16 wickets in 10 games, highlighted his prowess.
In the subsequent edition, Khaleel secured nine wickets from as many games, leading to DC'S decision to retain him for IPL 2024.
Imtiyaz reflects, "Perhaps the best thing about Khaleel is his never-say-die attitude. He never stops believing."
Manvinder Bisla, like many aspiring domestic cricketers, nurtured dreams of donning the national colours and playing before a boisterous crowd. Although he never went on to play international cricket, there came a turning point in 2012 when Bisla played a match-winning innings of 48-ball 89 to help the Kolkata Knight Riders beat Chennai Super Kings to secure its maiden Indian Premier League title.
Reflecting on his cricket journey, Bisla, a wicketkeeper-batter who grew up during the era of MS Dhoni,
Parthiv Patel, and Dinesh Karthik, expresses, “Not having played for India, IPL is the next best thing that could have happened to me.” Despite moments like a match-winning partnership of 200 with Dhoni for Air India Blue in 2009, the IPL triumph stands unparalleled.
He fondly recalls a special moment with KKR’S co-owner, Shah Rukh Khan, who always encouraged him.
“‘I trusted you. You did it,’ he said after the final. Those kind words are better than any gift,” Bisla emphasises.
Having debuted with Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) in 2010 after being part of the 2009 Ipl-winning Deccan Chargers’ setup,
Bisla cherished playing alongside cricketing legends like Brett Lee, Irfan Pathan, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, and Yuvraj Singh. “Yuvi paajiis someone who I have always admired,” he shares.
While acknowledging the financial stability the league brings, he also highlights the joy of seeing his family happy after his remarkable innings.
Now at 39, Bisla looks back at his career with contentment, stating, “I have no regrets. I tried my best and am thankful to God for everything.
“You’ve to be special to put on the blue shirt. It is important that you stay 100 per cent committed. After that, if you don’t get it, you accept and move on.”
The journey, though lacking an international cap, is one he accepts with peace and gratitude.