"It’s a format where I can prove myself" - Avesh Khan names his favourite format and speaks on his ambitions
India fast bowler Avesh Khan has picked Test cricket as the format where he is confident of proving himself. The youngster received his maiden call-up to India's Test squad during the tour of South Africa last year when senior pacer Mohammed Shami was injured.
Currently, Avesh Khan is in India's squad for the tour of Zimbabwe where he has played all the three T20Is so far. He has picked up 6 wickets at an average of 13.83 and an economy rate of 7.54. Known to hit hard lengths, Avesh is a genuine wicket-taker who can cause concerns for the batters on his day.
"It’s a format where I can prove myself" - Avesh Khan
While speaking in a video uploaded by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Avesh Khan revealed his excitement for Test cricket. He believed that he could do well in the longest format of the game since he has done well for his state teams in domestic cricket too.
“I’m very excited for Test cricket as I feel it’s a format where I can prove myself which I’ve done for my state team, India A, or while Duleep, Deodhar trophy. I’m waiting for that chance as there’s a different kind of fun playing Test cricket," Avesh said on the sidelines of the fourth T20I between Zimbabwe and India at Harare.
I love to bowl with the red ball as I bowl around 20-25 overs in a day for my state team as well. In the entire season, I bowl around 300-350 overs so I’m looking forward to a chance to play Test cricket and do well for my country in the longest format,” he added.
Avesh Khan can be India's 'workhorse' in Test cricket as he has the ability and skills to bowl long spells. His bowling style is also suitable for Tests but with India having quality fast bowlers in the ranks like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, and Akash Deep, it will be tough for Avesh Khan to get into the Playing XI.
Avesh Khan lauds Jasprit Bumrah
When asked about India's bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah's recent exploits, Avesh lauded the senior India bowler for his exceptional skills and execution under pressure. He also revealed the chat between him and Bumrah.
“Like Virat (Kohli) bhai said, he is once in a generation bowler, it is true and we all believe so. His style of bowling and his mindset are different, but the main (thing) is his execution, for which we all practice,” Avesh stated.
“Whenever I speak with him, he tells me to focus on the execution. If you are thinking of sending down a yorker, then it has to be a yorker; it cannot be a full toss or a half volley, a bouncer has to be on the shoulders; a length ball has to be (aimed at) the top of off (stump)," the right-arm quick added.
Jasprit Bumrah has been in sensational form in the past few months. Recently, he was adjudged the Player of the Tournament for his exploits in the T20 World Cup 2024, where he picked up 15 wickets in 8 matches at an exceptional average of 8.26 and an economy rate of 4.17.
