While the glitz and glamour of T20 cricket may captivate younger generations, for many aspiring cricketers, the ultimate dream remains – to represent their country in Test cricket. This sentiment burns brightly in Avesh Khan, India’s rising star pacer, who has expressed a fervent desire to prove himself on the Test stage.
Khan isn’t just brimming with raw ambition; he has the experience and statistics to back it up. He’s already carved a niche in domestic cricket, consistently performing well for Madhya Pradesh and showcasing his skills in prestigious tournaments like the Duleep Trophy and the Deodhar Trophy while representing India A.
“I’m very excited for Test cricket,” Avesh Khan declared in a recent BCCI video. “It’s a format where I can prove myself. I’ve done well for my state team, India A, and in domestic tournaments. There’s a different kind of fun playing Test cricket. I love bowling with the red ball, and I consistently bowl long spells for my state team – 20-25 overs a day, which translates to 300-350 overs in a season. I’m eagerly waiting for the opportunity to play Test cricket and perform well for India in the longest format.”
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Avesh Khan’s dedication is evident in his impressive domestic record. Since his debut in 2014, he’s become a mainstay for Madhya Pradesh, claiming 165 wickets in 43 matches with a stellar average of 22.49 and a miserly economy rate of 3.11. Despite these accomplishments, he hasn’t yet cracked the code for a place in the coveted Indian Test squad.
However, with the upcoming home series against Bangladesh and New Zealand, and potentially the tour Down Under, there’s a flicker of hope for Khan. His performances in the ongoing tour of Zimbabwe have further strengthened his case. Even in the absence of the red-hot Jasprit Bumrah, the Indian bowling attack, including Khan, has impressed.
“I’m very excited for Test cricket.”
Avesh Khan is eager to make his debut in the longest format of the game. #ZIMvsIND https://t.co/TsB6GUsjBm
— India Today Sports (@ITGDsports) July 13, 2024
Speaking of Bumrah, Khan echoes the sentiments of Virat Kohli and former bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, acknowledging the legendary pacer’s once-in-a-generation talent.
Avesh Khan goes a step further, revealing valuable insights gleaned from Bumrah: “Like Virat bhai (brother) said, he’s a once-in-a-generation bowler, and it’s true,” Khan stated. “His bowling style and mindset are unique, but the main thing is execution. That’s what we all practice for. Whenever I speak with him, he emphasizes the importance of executing your deliveries. If you’re planning a yorker, it has to be a yorker, not a full toss or a half-volley. Similarly, a bouncer needs to be on the batsman’s shoulders, and a length ball has to be aimed at the top of the off-stump.”
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While his economy rate has been a tad expensive at times, Khan remains a key wicket-taker for India in Zimbabwe. If he maintains his current form, he might even finish the series as the leading wicket-taker. This impactful performance, coupled with his burning desire to wear the whites and his valuable lessons from Bumrah, could be the recipe for Khan’s Test dream to finally materialize. Only time will tell if the selectors recognize his talent and hand him the coveted opportunity to prove himself on the biggest stage.
