Former India pace spearhead Zaheer Khan feels Khaleel Ahmed should learn from Jasprit Bumrah about how to do well in international circuit.
Khaleel Ahmed has been tipped by many to end India’s search for a left-arm pacer since the retirement of the legendary Zaheer Khan. Despite being an inexperienced bowler, he was tried out extensively in recent months. However, his performance in Australia and New Zealand showed there is a long way to go before he gets even close to Zaheer Khan.
The left-arm pacer played in one ODI and all the three T20Is against New Zealand and struggled to make the most of the bowling-friendly conditions. Khaleel started the T2oI series on a bad note, conceding 48 runs while picking up a solitary wicket. In the very following game, he did well to pick up 2 wickets for 27 but ended up conceding 47 runs. The selectors then dropped him from the ODI team for the upcoming series against Australia, thus making it very clear Khaleel is unlikely to be a part of the World Cup squad.
And as the youngster gears up to win back the faith of the selectors again, Zaheer Khan feels Khaleel should pick a leaf out of Bumrah’s books.
“For Khaleel, it’s still early days in his career. Talent-wise, he is there but at this level, it’s all about how quickly you can learn and adapt to pressures of international cricket. Look at Bumrah and how he has evolved as a bowler and you get a comparison,” Zaheer told PTI.
“Bumrah has learnt a lot and is always adding new things to his armoury, which is very important, and bowlers like Khaleel need to take inspiration from him. Spend more time with Bumrah, ask him questions,” he added.
