Khaleel Ahmed credits Rahul Dravid after receiving unexpected call-up

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the 16-member Indian squad for the upcoming Asia Cup. With the likes of Ajinkya Rahane and Suresh Raina not finding a place in the team led by Rohit Sharma, Rajasthan’s speedster Khaleel Ahmed made the news with his selection into the side. Having started off his career under Rahul Dravid’s guidance, the young bowler made sure to thank him in the best possible way.

Khaleel didn’t shy while expressing his emotions while saying that he hasn’t been able to gulp the thought of representing country. He said that he was shivering and couldn’t believe that it happened as it still seems like a dream to him. His focus was always on giving his best and wasn’t thinking about selection.

“I am literally shivering right now. I cannot believe that I am part of the Indian team. This is like a dream come true for me. I have been doing well and that has been my focus. Every player wants to represent the country when he starts playing the game and I am no different. But I must thank Dravid sir for being there and turning me around from a nervous starter to a confident bowler,” the 20-year-old said while talking to HT.

Dravid behind my success

Talking about the head coach of the India U19 team Rahul Dravid under whom he played the junior World Cup 2016 and his transformation Khaleel said, “I cannot thank him enough. When I started off at the U-19 level, I would be nervous to start with and would often make silly mistakes in the process. But under his guidance, I gained in confidence and I can confidently say that he has had a big role in my growth as a cricketer.

“The best part with Dravid sir is that he gives you that freedom to go out and express yourself. He would tell me that the best way to learn is in the middle and one should never shy away from trying new things. He has had a huge impact on how my career shaped up,” he added.

The left-arm pacer also said that he has grown up watching Zaheer Khan and would like to emulate him while delivering some match-winning performances for India.

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