Indian left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmedcredited Irfan Pathan for assisting him immensely after his hernia surgery. Khaleel also revealed that he has been giving
it his all to make himself a regular figure at the international level. Notably, Khaleel has played 11 ODIs and 18 T20Is so far.
Khaleel also acknowledged former left-arm pacer Zaheer Khan for passing on valuable suggestions on improving his red-ball game and being accessible to him.
"I had to start from zero [after surgery], including learning how to walk. Irfan bhai spent a lot of time with me. He showed me how I can keep the seam upright, and also helped me sharpen my skills. He and Zaheer bhai also advised me on how I could do well in red-ball cricket. I am fortunate and grateful to have had them available whenever I wanted to speak to them," stated Khaleel, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
Khaleel underscored on the various intricacies of multi-day cricket a fast bowler like him has to consider and follow on a regular basis. He also revealed an additional skill he has been trying to master of late.
"I paid a lot of attention to my fitness. I also tried to learn some skills - like how to swing the ball late. I was working on ways to be successful. When you play days cricket, there are a lot of little things you need to work on. You need to prepare your body for the test of bowling 20-25 overs in an innings. Then there are things like managing travel. As a fast bowler, I have to take care of my body every day - like sleeping on time and recovery. Distractions can happen, but you have to do all these basic things," he added.
The 27-year-old elaborated on his hunger for representing the nation. He also admitted that despite the injury setbacks in the past, he feels that he has gained enough experience as a bowler, which has helped him mature as a professional cricketer.
"I am working with a lot of patience. I am just waiting for my chance. I have to serve the country. It's very easy for people to forget performances in the IPL, but what you do for the country remains with them for a lifetime. I want to be at the international level. I am giving everything I have for that. I don't have any time for anything else. This is my focus right now. I have faced tough times mentally. But now, I am in a phase where I am feeling experienced. I feel I will do well in life. As a fast bowler, I am feeling a lot more mature. I'm just waiting for opportunities, and I will do it - that's what is left," he noted.
Khaleel last represented India in July 2024. The 27-year-old is yet to make his Test debut at the international level. Khaleel is one of the squad members of the Central Zone team. He will be expected to feature in the quarter-final of Duleep Trophy 2025.
