Khaleel Ahmed made a triumphant return to the Indian team after a five-year hiatus, playing a crucial role in their 10-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the fourth T20I on July 13, Saturday. The left-arm seamer impressed with figures of 2/32, dismissing Dion Myers and Clive Madande in the final over to restrict Zimbabwe to 152/7. Expressing his joy at being back in the Indian dressing room, Khaleel Ahmed shared his excitement about his return to international cricket after a long absence.
I’m happy to be in the dressing room: Khaleel Ahmed
“For me this series means everything. Very happy to be part of this dressing room, I was missing it when I was out of the squad. I’m happy to be in the dressing room and perform for my team. I can’t express how I’m feeling right now,” Khaleel told Sony Sports.
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Khaleel Ahmed dismissed the notion of filling a leadership void in the bowling unit. When asked if he was taking on a role similar to Jasprit Bumrah, the senior bowler, Khaleel emphasized the team's egalitarian approach and his focus on performing his role responsibly.
“We play a lot together. We play together in the IPL as well. We’re all equal but yes I feel it’s my responsibility as I have to bowl the first over and give a good start t the team,” he added.
Khaleel Ahmed revealed that he spent his time on the sidelines during the T20 World Cup focusing on developing new variations to his bowling.
“I was in the World Cup reserves and worked hard on my variations - cutters and Yorkers as I had no stress to play the game. Hence I was working on my variations in the spare time. Happy with the execution of Yorkers and the spinning of my cutters,” Khaleel concluded.
Khaleel Ahmed continued his impressive form with figures of 2/32 in the fourth T20I agianst Zimbabwe. India, having secured the series with a 3-1 lead, will face Zimbabwe in the final T20I on Sunday, July 14.
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