"Don't want to become Mitchell Starc" - Avesh Khan
Published - 20 Apr 2025, 11:18 AM | Updated - 20 Apr 2025, 11:19 AM
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) pacer Avesh Khan received comparisons to Mitchell Starc for his role in his team's victory over the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the IPL 2025 clash. Avesh, who won Player of the Match, made it clear that he focuses on improving his skills rather than trying to emulate others.
Avesh Khan played a pivotal role in Lucknow Super Giants' narrow two-run victory over Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Saturday, April 19. He was asked to defend nine runs in the final over. The pacer dismissed Shimron Hetmyer (12 off 7) and sealed the victory for his team.
I Don't Want to Become Mitchell Starc - Avesh Khan
Avesh said that he didn't try to mimic Mitchell Starc's style. Khan mentioned that he always backs every delivery he bowls and added that he takes a few extra seconds.
"I don't want to become Mitchell Starc, I want to become a good Avesh Khan. I always try to back every single delivery I bowl and execute yorkers, which are my strength. I always think it's better to take 10 extra seconds to bowl; it will help me execute better," said Avesh during the presentation ceremony.
Avesh conceded just six runs in the final over. The pacer ended his four overs with 37 runs and three wickets. Earlier in the match, he removed key RR batsmen, including skipper Riyan Parag (39 off 20) and the dangerous Yashasvi Jaiswal (74 off 52).
I Never Bowl Looking at the Scoreboard - Avesh Khan
Avesh Khan revealed that he entered the final over with a clear plan to defend nine runs. He said that he doesn’t focus on the scoreboard. The bowler stated that if the batsmen couldn’t hit a boundary in the first three balls, it would put RR under pressure.
“I never bowl looking at the scoreboard. I just focus on my execution. When it became clear that I had to defend nine runs, I knew that if they didn't get a boundary in the first three balls, the game would swing our way and the batters would come under pressure,” said Avesh.
When He Dropped It, I Was Thinking... - Avesh Khan
David Miller, known for his exceptional fielding skills, dropped an easy catch off Shubham Dubey’s second-last ball of the match. Avesh Khan recalled that he had complete faith in Miller’s ability to catch it. However, Khan revealed that after the drop, he was thinking about how to defend four runs.
"As soon as it went up in the air and I saw that Miller is the catcher, I thought, 'of course he is going to catch this'. But then, when he dropped, I was thinking, oh no, I have to defend four runs now. At that point, there was some doubt because the ball can go off an edge and go for four. It is easier to save a six at this ground than a four. I then told myself, 'Avesh, you just have to bowl a yorker on middle and leg, nothing else'.
The 28-year-old has picked up eight wickets in seven matches with an economy rate of 9.84 this season. Lucknow Super Giants secured their fifth victory of IPL 2025. They moved to fourth on the table with 10 points. They will next take on Delhi Capitals at the Ekana International Stadium on April 22.
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