Since My U-19 days, I Targeted To Represent My Country As Soon As Possible: Avesh Khan

Delhi Capitals pacer Avesh Khan was head and shoulders above most fast bowlers in IPL 2021 as he was undoubtedly the finds of the tournament. Avesh Khan bowled expertly not only with the new ball but also at the death, claiming wickets and curbing the flow of runs. With an international debut agonizingly close now, the 24-year old had targetted playing for India since the U-19 days.

Avesh Khan ended the first phase of IPL 2021 as amongst the highest wicket-takers of the tournament. The right-arm seamer’s 14 scalps in seven games were only second to Harshal Patel’s 17 in as many fixtures. Khan collected those at 16.50, maintaining an economy rate of 7.70, with best figures of 4-0-32-3. He not only bowled with excellent pace but also kept threatening the best batsmen with his nagging lines.

Avesh Khan’s exemplary performances meant that the Delhi Capitals hardly missed Anrich Nortje in their line-up, with his pinpoint yorkers at death covering for Kagiso Rabada’s unpredictable showing. He was one of the significant reasons that the Capitals topped the points table by the competition was called off. The Indore-born speedster continued his form from the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy this year when he snapped 14 wickets in five games at 10.64. Such performances have led to his selection in the national team as one of the reserve players for the upcoming England tour.

There’s no specific age to play for India as such: Avesh Khan

Avesh Khan, who has represented the Indian U-19 team, said that he always wanted to represent the national team since he wore the junior cricket side’s jersey. The 24-year old underlined that wearing the Indian jersey is a different feeling altogether and targetted to do so for a long time.

“From the day, I wore the U-19 India jersey, my dream has always been to play for India. There’s no specific age to play for India as such. Wearing the national team’s jersey and cap gives an altogether different feeling. Since my U-19 days, I had this target to represent my country as soon as possible,” Khan told News18.com.

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