Exclusive interview: Despite missing WC bus, Khaleel confident of strong comeback

Khaleel is not heartbroken with selectors' decision. He doesn't want to look back at it, he wants to work hard on his bowling instead as his ultimate goal is become 'India's bowling spearhead in two years time'.

Hyderabad: Lanky left-handed pacer Khaleel Ahmed might have missed the bus for 2019 World Cup this time around, but he is just 21 and MSK Prasad led selection committee has full confidence on him as it is considering him as a future star of the Indian bowling attack.

Khaleel, who played 8 ODIs and 9 T20Is for India till date, failed to make a cut into the 15-man Indian squad since experienced bowlers- Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar- were chosen ahead of him for the marquee event in England and Wales.

However, he is not heartbroken with selectors' decision. He doesn't want to look back at it, he wants to work hard on his bowling instead as his ultimate goal is become 'India's bowling spearhead in two years time'.

In an exclusive interview with ETV Bharat, Khaleel, who hails from Rajasthan's Tonk district, admitted that he was nervous when selection committee sat to pick the Indian squad.

"I was feeling nervous when the selection committee sit to pick 15-man squad because I thought I'll be there if India go with four bowlers. But, the bowling combination they formed is a good one," Khaleel said.

Highlights

• Role model: Zaheer Khan
• Wants to become India's leading bowler in 2 years
• Most dangerous batsman in IPL- Mumbai Indians
• Most dangerous batsman in IPL- Rohit Sharma
• Suffered during my early days due to a dispute in Rajasthan Cricket Board

Chief selector MSK Prasad revealed the Khaleel Ahmed was discussed as a back-up pacer and added he would definitely be on stand-by and will fly down to England if the need arises.

"Khaleel was discussed and he will be around. If the need arises, he will go to England," Prasad said.

On being asked about selectors' decision to keep him as stand-by, he said, "I am really glad to see that selectors talked about me at the meeting. I made my debut just a few months ago. And selectors are now talking about me, it gives me good feeling and confidence."

The left-arm quickie, who is currently playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2019, will travel with the Indian squad in the United Kingdom as a net bowler along with Navdeep Saini, Deepak Chahar, Deepak Chahar and Avesh Khan.

Till date, India produced only a few quality left-arm pacers. Those days are gone when Zaheer Khan, Ashish Nehra and Irfan Pathan used to hog the headlines due to their exploits on the field.

File image: Twitter

On 31st January 2019 when Khaleel made his debut for India against New Zealand, he joined India's exclusive league for left-arm pacers. In the current scenario, India don't have many left-arm quicks. Khaleel is the only name in the list.

So, how he feels about him being a left-arm pacer?

"I feel lucky being a left-arm fast bowler because there are only a few in India. For batsmen, it is difficult to play left-arm pacers. So, I'll be considered if team requires a left-arm bowler."

"As a left-arm pacer you to have bear responsibility and pressure because the expectations will be high on you. Though pressure will always be there I feel lucky to be a left-arm bowler," he added.