As India and Pakistan are all set to renew cricket rivalry in Asia Cup, a guru in a distant town of Tonk on the right bank of Banas River in Rajasthan is watching videos of Pakistani players Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul Haq so that he can help his protégé find a way through the two batsmen. The strategist is Imtiyaz Ali Khan, who is left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed’s coach.
As India and Pakistan are all set to renew cricket rivalry in Asia Cup, a guru in a distant town of Tonk on the right bank of Banas River in Rajasthan is watching videos of Pakistani players Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul Haq so that he can help his protégé find a way through the two batsmen. The strategist is Imtiyaz Ali Khan, who is left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed’s coach.
“In my last conversation with Khaleel I suggested him a few tricks to get the two Pakistanis out. He is a very confident boy and I’m hopeful of him putting up a good show again if he’s given a chance to play against Pakistan,” said the coach who is unable to contain his excitement after the fast bowler from Rajasthan had put up a head-turning performance in his ODI debut against Hong Kong on Tuesday.
As Khaleel Ahmed received his ODI cap No.222, it made for the moment the rookie had dreamt of since he decided to make a career out of a piece of leather. The left-arm bowler scalped three wickets, out of which two came at a crucial juncture when it almost felt that the minnows Hong Kong were on their way to an upset win against India.
First wicket that he grabbed came from a cross- seam delivery as he trapped Nizakat Khan (92) plumb in front while the second success followed when C Carter edged and was caught by MS Dhoni. And it was a slow delivery that Khaleel used to caught and bowled Ehsan Khan. He finished his quota of 10 overs at an economy of 4.80.
Khan enjoyed his student’s impressive debut on big LED TV screen that Khaleel gifted him before leaving for Dubai to play Asia Cup. “Yesterday I was glued to TV since the game started. It’s a really emotional moment for me,” he added.
The toast of the town Khaleel also got netizens talking about him. On Twitter, Khaleel Ahmed was the top trending hashtag for three hours after the playing XI for the game against Hong Kong was announced.
The renowned cricket expert Harsha Boghle was one of several known voices who spoke highly of the new talent on the board. “Very impressed with Khaleel. Offers the team an option in case it is felt that Bhuvi isn't ready yet after his injury,” Bhogle tweeted.
‘The big find,’ Khaleel was also praised by cricket writer Ayaz Memon who tweeted “Dhawan’s century notwithstanding, star Indian player tonight Khaleel Ahmed. Bowled with pace, skill and control, picking up two wickets at a crucial time to tilt match his team’s way. Big find.”
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