Khaleel Ahmed becomes Arshdeep Singh's backup in India's white-ball teams; BCCI looking at more left-arm pacers

The Indian selectors are searching for proper left-arm fast bowling options at least in white-ball formats. Currently, Arshdeep Singh and Khaleel Ahmed are the two left-arm pacers who are around India's squad.

While Arshdeep had a successful outing in the T20 World Cup 2024 where he emerged as the joint-highest wicket-taker of the tournament with 17 wickets, Khaleel Ahmed was in India's reserves for the tournament. Khaleel also played in the series against Zimbabwe, where he picked up 3 wickets in 3 matches at an average of 25 and an economy rate of 6.81.

Both the quicks are young as well, which augurs well for their selection. If they can be impressive in the upcoming domestic matches, they can add more variety to India's attack with their angle.

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Selectors keen on Khaleel Ahmed for white-ball cricket

According to the TOI, the selectors are considering Arshdeep Singh and Khaleel Ahmed as possible left-arm bowling options. Since Arshdeep has played a fair amount of white-ball games, the selectors are now looking at him to enhance his selection for red-ball cricket and appear in the Duleep Trophy, starting on September 5.

"Arshdeep has moved the ball impressively in white-ball matches for India. He could be asked to play a few domestic red-ball games, starting with the Duleep Trophy on September 5, to enhance his chances of selection for the Australia tour. There's a real chance that he could be India's trump card, along with (Jasprit) Bumrah, in Australia," a source said to TOI.

Indian cricket updates. [Gaurav Gupta from TOI]

- Selectors keen to pick Arshdeep for BGT
- Arshdeep is likely to play in Duleep Trophy
- Tilak is currently injured
- Selectors want to nurture Riyan Parag, Harshit
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The reports also suggest that the selectors are looking at Khaleel Ahmed as a possible option at least in white-ball cricket. Khaleel has played just 11 ODIs and 17 T20Is since his international debut way back in September 2018.

New opportunity for Khaleel Ahmed

But the 26-year-old quickly had a good IPL this year and came back into the national reckoning. Since the selectors are keen on a left-arm fast bowling option, Khaleel Ahmed was selected in India's squad for the tour of Zimbabwe.

"In fact, the selectors are keen on another left-arm pace option in the white-ball side at least, which is why Khaleel Ahmed toured Zimbabwe and has been picked for both the ODIs and T20Is in Sri Lanka," the source added.

Khaleel Ahmed's international career has been affected due to injuries and bad form. Despite making his international debut six years ago, he has not been able to cement his place in any of the formats. He has been selected in India's T20I and ODI squads for the tour of Sri Lanka and will be looking to make a mark.