Your Time Has Come, Young Man - Avesh Khan Recalls Delhi Capitals Head Coach Ricky Ponting's Advice Before Making His IPL Debut

Delhi Capitals (DC) head coach Ricky Ponting had plenty of words of encouragement for the pacer, Avesh Khan, right before he made his debut for the franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Avesh was deservedly called up to the Indian national team for the white-ball series against West Indies. Speaking about the memorable occasion, Avesh recalled the advice he received from Ponting that boosted his confidence on his debut.

“Both (Kagiso) Rabada and (Anrich) Nortje were injured and I knew I would get a game. I knew I would play, but was a bit tense. Then Ponting pumped me up by telling me, ‘your time has come young man and just show the world how good you are. You have the talent, we know. Now show it to the world too.’ Those words really kicked me on. I suddenly felt I am strong and confident,” Avesh told The Indian Express.

“There is a healthy competition among us” – Avesh Khan

DC had slowly built one of the most balanced teams in the league. Their batting was well supported by a tremendous bowling attack that consisted of South African pace duo, Kagiso Rabada, and Anrich Nortje. Everyone couldn’t make it to the team in the same XI but there was healthy competition, as per Avesh.

“There is a healthy competition among us. We are good friends and congratulate each other’s success, but in the middle, we are trying to be the best. They treat me as an equal. We have a lot of discussions before the match, like about the pitch, the conditions, and the batsmen. We also talk a lot in the middle, like how the pitch is behaving and what lengths need to be bowled. We help each other a lot that way,” Avesh mentioned.

Avesh has played 25 matches so far and has taken 29 wickets. One thing he has improved on is his economy, which was one of the best in IPL 2021.

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