Khaleel Ahmed keeps fingers crossed ahead of India's World Cup squad announcement

It is always good for any team to have a left-arm pacer and Khaleel Ahmed’s impressive debut last year against Hong Kong in Asia Cup gave hope to the fans about the rise of the next Zaheer Khan. He was given an opportunity to lift the trophy after India won it and then in the home series against the Windies, the Rajasthan bowler took seven wickets from four ODIs and got the honour of lifting the trophy yet again.

The 21-year-old then played in India colours against two overseas series against Australia and New Zealand but his performances were not as inspiring and his prospects of making it to the India squad for the upcoming World Cup seemed dented a bit. Khaleel then made a good comeback in the home-based Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament, taking 12 wickets in four outings, and is hopeful of making a cut into the WC squad.

Khaleel is of the opinion that the Indian team should go in with a left-arm pacer for their campaign.

‘India will need a left-arm pacer in WC’

“The team will need a left-arm fast bowler in the World Cup. There is no doubt that we have talented right-arm fast bowlers. We have (Jasprit) Bumrah, Bhuvi (Bhuvneshwar Kumar) bhai and (Mohammed) Shami bhai. But a left-arm fast bowler will be an added advantage for the team as he has the ability to create different angles. A right-arm batsman will find it difficult to play a left-arm pacer, especially in the death overs. It will have a huge impact on the World Cup (campaign),” Khaleel was quoted as saying by Times of India.

The youngster said the selection is not in hands but he is ready to give the best if he gets a chance. Khaleel, who had served India in the Under-19 WC in 2016, also conceded that a good show in New Zealand would have earned him more matches, including in the last home series against Australia that India lost 2-3. The Indian squad for the WC starting May 30 will be announced on Monday, April 15.

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