India fast bowler Khaleel Ahmedwho has changed teams this season, after being bought by the Capitals at a previous player auction, is convinced that Rishabh Pant Could guide the team to the title, which is out of the Delhi franchise in 14 seasons so far.
After spending four seasons with Sunrisers Hyderabad, Khaleel Ahmed is back with the Delhi franchise, with whom he started his IPL career. The franchise hired the lanky pacer from Tonk, Rajasthan for Rs. Bought in 5.25 crore in the last auction.
(BCCI/IPL photo)
Khaleel began his IPL journey with Delhi Capitals (formerly Delhi Daredevils), where he spent two seasons but did not get to play a single game.
Playing for SRH in four seasons, the left-arm pacer featured in 24 matches and picked up 32 wickets. His best IPL outing was the 2019 edition, in which he played 9 matches and took 19 wickets.
Khaleel returned the figures of 2-27 in 4 overs, playing his first match in Delhi in the Capitals jersey.
TimesofIndia.com Caught up with Khaleel ahead of the 2022 edition of the IPL, starting to talk about Delhi Capitals’ title chances this season, playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad, a reunion with David WarnerDC Captain Rishabh Pant and many more…
You started your IPL career with Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) and after playing for four years with Sunrisers Hyderabad, you are with Delhi again…
It’s a good feeling. I started my IPL journey from Delhi. Delhi trusted me. They know me very well. They know how talented I am and that I can perform well at any time. I am very happy to be back in Delhi team as it was the first team in IPL for me. When I wore the Delhi jersey for the first time, I was very happy. It was like a dream come true for me. I am looking forward to playing for Delhi again. I know Rishabh personally. He is my age and we played cricket together and started our careers almost at the same time. When you know your captain, you can plan things better with him. He is a talented captain and player. I am very excited to be reuniting with Pant.
(BCCI/IPL photo)
How was your experience with Sunrisers Hyderabad?
I am really thankful to Sunrisers for giving me the platform to perform. He gave me the first chance. All the wickets I have taken in my IPL career belong to him. Delhi Capitals now has a new journey for me. I got a lot of love and affection from Sunrisers and their fans. I want to thank everyone involved in this. The year 2019 was memorable for me with SRH as I took 19 wickets in 9 matches in the season. I got injured in the first half, but I was at my best in the later stages of the tournament.
Are you excited to be reunited with David Warner, who has also moved from SRH to DC?
I am really looking forward to meeting and talking to him again. I have spent a lot of time with him at Sunrisers Camp. We share a good bond. I can help him make the reel (laughs). I can hold the camera for him (laughs). Coming to Delhi Capitals, he wants to return home.
(BCCI/IPL photo)
What is your opinion on the bowling attack of Delhi Capitals?
When I saw the team, it really impressed me. DC have a strong bowling attack. The team has left and right arm fast bowlers. This will play a vital role in the success of the team. We are all different types of bowlers. Mustafizur (Rahman) is different, Chetan (Sakriya) is different, (Enrique) Nortje is different and I am also different. We can all learn a lot from each other too.
How would you rate Delhi Capitals’ title chances this time around?
I am sure Delhi Capitals will win their first title this time. Rishabh is a talented captain and has been doing really well for Delhi. I am sure Rishabh will give Delhi their first title win.
do you watch IPL 2022 As a stepping stone for you to return to the Indian team?
I have worked a lot on my bowling – both in red and white ball cricket. I am in better shape now. I am a much better bowler now. I am bowling consistently at 140 kmph. I have done a lot of work on swing bowling. I think I can serve India for 10-12 years and I am eager to leave. I know where I stand. I am ready. You will see a different Khaleel in IPL this time and for India in future.
The wait is still on for the best left arm fast bowler for the Indian team. Do you think you can come back and fill that void?
hundred percent. I am just 24 and bowling over 140. I can swing the ball too. I am sure that I can serve Indian cricket for a long time. I just need to be fit and confident. If given a chance, you will see a different Khaleel Ahmed.