If I Had Not Played for India Now, It Would Have Been Too Late - Khaleel Ahmed

It is a famous saying that “it is better to be late than never”. However, Khaleel Ahmed believes if he hadn’t made his debut for the national side now, it would have been too late. Ahmed has made his India debut at the age of 20 years which is great for the fast bowler. He has had a perfect start to his career as he has scalped 11 wickets in the first six matches he has played.

In fact, Khaleel Ahmed timing into the Indian team has been impeccable for both him and the team. The ICC World Cup 2019 is nigh and the Indian team doesn’t have any left-arm seamer in their ranks. Thus, after grabbing his chances, the Rajasthan lad has made a strong case for himself for the World Cup berth.

Khaleel Ahmed has had a good start to his career.

“If I had not played for India now, then it would have been very late. I fear at an older age, my body wouldn’t have been able to exert as much as I can now,” Khaleel told Times of India in an interview. “I couldn’t sleep during the Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament. I would check the clock all night and waited to get back on the field, bowling fast and taking wickets. I couldn’t let this opportunity go as I did in Ranji Trophy.”

Khaleel Ahmed also revealed that he has worked hard on his bowling. He had a chat with former Indian speedster Zaheer Khan, who is his idol. Ahmed had earlier said he wants to emulate Zaheer Khan’s success.

“I worked on my bowling. In fact, I went to the NCA but there were no specialist bowling coaches. I had chats with Zaheer Khan at Daredevils but felt I shouldn’t be calling all the time. So, I observed him in the nets and tried to copy things in my hometown,” Khaleel said.

Ahmed had a fine start to his career as he scalped three wickets on his ODI debut against Hong Kong. There was pressure as Hong Kong was looking good to chase down the total in Asia Cup. Furthermore, Ahmed bowled a fiery spell in the fourth ODI against the Windies and took three wickets again. Ahmed said India’s bowling coach Bharat Arun helped him in his action.

“I did reduce my jump earlier to get the ball swinging into the batsman. But Bharat Arun (India bowling coach) doesn’t force me to do things. He only works on those things which would suit my physique and ability. I am happy with that. I figured I had to increase my body mass to bowl consistently at pace,” Khaleel said.

Khaleel Ahmed has had a fine start to his career and would look to continue in a similar fashion.