Khaleel Ahmed, once seen as the successor to India’s left-arm pace legends like Zaheer Khan and Ashish Nehra, has had a career marked by potential yet hampered by form and injuries. The 26-year-old has played just 11 ODIs and 17 T20Is, claiming a total of 31 wickets. However, his international career didn’t soar as many had hoped.
In the IPL 2024, Ahmed showcased his prowess with 14 wickets in six Ranji Trophy games. He carried this form into the league, emerging as the joint-highest wicket-taker for the Delhi Capitals with 17 scalps in 14 matches.
Due to his impressive performance, Khaleel Ahmed was included in the reserves for the 2024 T20 World Cup, where India clinched their second ICC title in the shortest format. After nearly five years, he returned to international cricket in the recent T20I series against Zimbabwe, taking three wickets in as many matches at an economy rate of 6.81, contributing to India’s 4-1 series victory.
On July 18, Khaleel Ahmed was named in both the ODI and T20I squads for the series against Sri Lanka, starting later this month. Reflecting on his journey, let’s revisit Ahmed’s last 50-over appearance in Indian colors.
Khaleel Ahmed’s Last ODI Against West Indies in August 2019
Khaleel Ahmed’s last ODI appearance was against the West Indies in Port of Spain on August 14, 2019. The West Indies won the toss and chose to bat first.
Chris Gayle and Evin Lewis provided a blistering start for the home team, amassing a 115-run partnership in under 11 overs. Lewis was the first to go, dismissed by Yuzvendra Chahal for a rapid 43 off 29 balls.
Ahmed then made a crucial breakthrough, getting the ‘Universe Boss’ Gayle to hole out to Virat Kohli at mid-off. Gayle had hammered 72 off 41 balls, with eight fours and five sixes. Rain interrupted the game, reducing it to 35 overs per side.
Other Indian bowlers, including Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Shami, contributed to restricting the West Indies’ scoring. Khaleel Ahmed also dismissed Carlos Brathwaite and Jason Holder, finishing as the highest wicket-taker for India with figures of 3/68 from seven overs. West Indies posted a total of 240 runs.
India’s revised target, according to the DLS method, was 255. The chase began with the early loss of Rohit Sharma (10). However, Shikhar Dhawan and captain Virat Kohli stabilized the innings with a 66-run partnership before Dhawan fell for 36.
Rishabh Pant, coming in at No. 4, was dismissed for a duck. Shreyas Iyer then played a crucial innings, smashing 65 off 41 balls, including five sixes and three fours.
Virat Kohli remained unbeaten on 114 off 99 balls, hitting 14 fours, and steered India to a sensational victory with more than two overs to spare. Kedar Jadhav supported him, remaining unbeaten on 19 off 12 balls.
Khaleel Ahmed’s performance in that match was a testament to his potential, and his return to the national squad is eagerly anticipated by fans and selectors alike. As he prepares for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka, all eyes will be on him to see if he can replicate and surpass his past performances.
