“Ready for the challenge” - Avesh Khan opens up as Team India come knocking at pacer’s door [Exclusive]
The past couple of months have been absolutely magical for Avesh Khan. After a brilliant performance in the now-postponed IPL 2021, the right-arm speedster has been named to the standby list of players for India squad for WTC final as well as the five-match Test series against England.
It hasn’t always been smooth sailing for the 24-year-old from Madhya Pradesh. Blessed with mental fortitude, he has stayed focused on working hard in his game and biding his time for the big break.
In an exclusive chat with Sportskeeda, Avesh Khan talks about his exploits in domestic cricket, sensational IPL 2021 campaign, dreams of representing Team India, and much more.
Avesh Khan's Ranji Trophy adventure
Avesh Khan's talent was recognized by Madhya Pradesh selectors at the age of 17 and the teenager made his Ranji Trophy debut in 2014. Despite playing at the highest level of domestic cricket at such a young age, Avesh Khan was lucky to be guided by seniors in the state team who helped him develop into the potent bowler he is today.
"Being 17-18 years old I was passionate about playing cricket and I enjoyed it to the fullest. The Madhya Pradesh team had seniors like Ishwar Pandey, who had been selected to represent India. He helped me quite a lot on things like how to set fields for a particular batsman and what line and length to be bowl to dismiss him," Avesh Khan remembers.
Domestic cricket is full of budding players. However, only a select few come of age and take their game to the next level. This is exactly what happened to Avesh Khan during the 2018-19 Ranji Trophy season.
His 35 wickets that season helped him realize he had it in him to make it to the next level.
"I have been doing well in domestic cricket for the past two years. In the last Ranji Trophy season, I had 28 wickets from five games and in the season before that, I had taken 35 wickets in seven games. I had won two to three games for my state single-handedly. So that was the moment where I felt ready to play at the highest level," Avesh Khan said.
Avesh Khan's impressive 2016 U19 World Cup campaign
Avesh Khan first showcased his skills on the international stage at the 2016 Under-19 World Cup. He spearheaded India's pace attack and was the star of the tournament with 12 wickets to his name.
Avesh rates his 4/32 against New Zealand as his favorite spell of the tournament.
"I remember my spell against New Zealand where I picked up four wickets early on and was also named Man of the Match. That was a memorable moment for me," he said.
Although India didn’t win the World Cup, that batch of 2016 gave the Men In Blue some absolute gems such as Rishabh Pant and Washington Sundar, who are carving out a successful career in the senior team.
Left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed, who was also part of the squad, also got his chance to represent Team India ahead of Avesh. Despite his compatriots getting international call-ups ahead of him, the youngster wasn't frustrated. Avesh took it in his stride and motivated himself to work harder.
"I wasn't frustrated that my fellow teammates got to play for India. I took it as a motivation to work even harder on my bowling skills and prepare myself to be good enough to represent India," the Indorean revealed.
Avesh Khan on his chances of representing India in England
This won't be the first time Avesh Khan will be traveling with Team India. He has been a part of the Indian dressing room as a net bowler and has first-hand experience of the team culture.
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In the company of some of the finest pace bowlers in the world, the national team's practice sessions helped Avesh further develop his game. The seniors in the Indian team also motivated him to do well.
"I have travelled quite a lot with Team India. I went to South Africa and also to the 2019 World Cup as a net bowler. Everyone motivated me to bowl well, Ishant [Sharma] bhai used to give me tips and support me in becoming a better bowler. I got to learn a lot about bowling with the red ball and, if I get an opportunity, I will try to put them into practice in England," Avesh Khan said.
India's 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy triumph was a testament to their bench strength. Despite being ravaged by injuries, the visitors gave net bowlers such as Shardul Thakur, Washington Sundar and T Natarajan an opportunity to showcase their talent in the longest format.
While Avesh Khan is aware that a similar opportunity might come his way in England, he is focused on the process of becoming a better bowler with each passing day. He wants to learn as much as he can so that he develops his skills even further.
"All that's in my hands is to improve my bowling skills and work hard. Whether I will get a chance or not is all up to luck and that is not under my control. I will keep myself mentally prepared and if the opportunity arises, I am ready for the challenge," Avesh Khan added.
Whether or not Avesh gets a look-in in England remains to be seen. But one thing is for certain, the pacer is determined to give his best whenever he receives the opportunity to represent his nation.