Avesh Khan hoping to make Test debut after arrival of Gautam Gambhir in Indian dressing room

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Avesh Khan, who is gearing up to play the fourth T20I against Zimbabwe on Thursday, has expressed his desire to play Test cricket for India. The 27-year-old has played 23 T20Is and eight ODIs since making his debut in 2022.

In a video posted by the BCCI ahead of the fourth T20I in Harare, the Madhya Pradesh pacer said he enjoys bowling with the red ball in domestic cricket. He also advertised his fitness to play Test cricket by stating that he bowls 20-25 overs if needed in the Ranji Trophy.

“I’m very excited for Test cricket as I feel it’s a format where I can prove myself which I’ve done for my state team, India A or while Duleep, Deodhar trophy. I’m waiting for that chance as there’s a different kind of fun playing Test cricket. I love to bowl with the red ball as I bowl around 20-25 overs in a day for my state team as well. In the entire season I bowl around 300-350 overs so I’m looking forward to a chance to play Test cricket and do well for my country in the longest format,” Avesh Khan said.

The statement from Avesh Khan comes days after the appointment of Gautam Gambhir as the new head coach of the Indian cricket team. Notably, Avesh has played under the guidance of Gambhir at the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in IPL.

Avesh Khan quotes Virat Kohli while praising Jasprit Bumrah

Further, Avesh Khan praised Jasprit Bumrah by joining Virat Kohli in calling him a generational bowler. The speedster talked at length about the execution of Bumrah, who played a key role in the T20 World Cup 2024 final against South Africa in Barbados on June 29.

“Like Virat bhai said, he is a once in a generation bowler, it is true and we all believe so. His style of bowling and his mindset are different, but the main (thing) is his execution, for which we all practice,” Avesh said.

“Whenever I speak with him, he tells me to focus on the execution. If you are thinking of sending down a yorker, then it has to be a yorker; it cannot be a full toss or a half volley, a bouncer has to be on the shoulders; a length ball has to be (aimed at) the top of off (stump)," concluded the fast bowler.

Avesh Khan has played a total of 43 first-class matches and picked 165 wickets at an average of 22.49. He has eight five-wicket hauls to his name in red-ball cricket.