Delhi Capitals pacer Khaleel Ahmed is basking in the joy of his return to the Indian T20 World Cup side after a stellar performance in IPL 2024. While not securing a spot in the main 15-man squad, his impressive display of 14 wickets in just 12 matches earned him a coveted place among the travelling reserves.
Long Road Back for Khaleel Ahmed
Speaking on the DC Podcast, Khaleel Ahmed expressed his elation at the selection. He revealed a period of self-belief and dedication that fueled his comeback journey. “The past few months and the start of the IPL gave me a positive feeling,” he stated. “With each match, my confidence grew. I knew I was bowling well, and it was all about constant improvement. Finally, hearing my name called for the World Cup was a dream come true, a significant step forward.”
Five Years away from Team India
Khaleel Ahmed journey back to the national team has been a long one. Making his international debut in 2018, he represented India in 11 ODIs and 14 T20Is, picking up a commendable 15 and 13 wickets respectively.
However, his last international appearance came back in 2019. “It’s been a long time since 2019,” he admitted. “Every day, I missed that feeling of playing for India. Watching them compete, I’d imagine myself on the field. It was a constant battle within me.”
Unrelenting Determination ft Khaleel Ahmed
Ahmed’s dedication to his comeback story is truly inspiring. He wasted no time in getting back to the grind. “After the last IPL season, I took a short break and dove straight back into domestic matches,” he revealed. “I made a commitment to play in all of them, no matter the outcome. It’s demanding for a fast bowler, but I was determined. The past year has been about mental resilience and growth. Cricket is my life, and my focus remained solely on the game.”
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Dream Within Reach: T20 World Cup glory
Khaleel’s inclusion as a travelling reserve puts him on the cusp of a potential return to the main T20 World Cup squad. His impressive form and unwavering commitment have earned him a crucial opportunity. Whether he ultimately gets to play on the biggest stage remains to be seen, but his journey itself is a testament to perseverance and the unwavering dream of representing his country.
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