T20 World Cup 2024: Delhi Capitals Pacer Khaleel Ahmed Saw India Call-Up Coming

Delhi Capitals' pacer Khaleel Ahmed knew India call-up for the T20 World Cup 2024 was going to happen after some good performances in the ongoing IPL 2024, having picked up 14 wickets in 12 matches thus far.

The left-arm pacer, who last played for India in December 2019, earned a well-deserved return to the national team after he was selected as one of the standbys for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup in the United States and West Indies.

Khaleel spoke about the journey to earn his India return and the challenges he faces as a bolwer in the high-scoring matches in IPL 2024 during Episode 3 (Season 4) of the DC Podcast.

India call-up - Khaleel saw it coming

The 26-year-old pacer stated, "The way the past few months were going and the way the IPL started, I had the intuition that something good would happen. As the IPL matches progressed, my confidence continued to grow.

"I realised I was bowling well, and it has always been about moving one step ahead. Finally, when the name came, I was so happy, and it's a step ahead for me."

Every day was like a battle

Reflecting on what was a challenging journey, the Delhi Capitals pacer said, "2019 was a long time ago. Every day, at the back of my mind, I missed that feeling of playing for the country.

"Every time I used to watch India play, I used to imagine what I would have done if I was there in the team. So, every day was like a battle and these kinds of conversations were going on inside my head."

"After the last IPL, I took only a week's break and embarked on this journey. I made sure I played all the domestic matches. It's tough as a fast bowler, but I made up my mind that irrespective of what happens to me, I'm going to play all the matches.

"I pushed myself mentally in the past year and have grown with it. Mentally, you just have to fight for it, day, night or any time, because my life has always been about cricket. My thoughts have only been about cricket, nothing else bothers me," he added.

Embracing the high-scoring challenge as a bowler

"I believe this is the best moment for the fast bowlers to come to light. If a bowler performs in tough situations like these, he will be considered a King, and I want to be that King. So, this is what my mentality has been about the current scenario," he stated.

With playoff chances still alive, Khaleel Ahmed and Delhi Capitals will next be in action against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Sunday (May 12).

Source: Media Release