Indian speedster Khaleel Ahmed has opened up on his relationship with former Indian skipper and veteran, MS Dhoni. Ahmed made his debut for India at the 2018 Asia Cup, with the latter keeping the wickets.
In a recent conversation with commentator Akash Chopra on his YouTube channel, Khaleel denied calling the 43-year-old his friend or elder brother. He also recalled the time when Dhoni captained a game in the tournament, and called the speedster to start the proceedings.
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What did Khaleel Ahmed say about his relationship with MS Dhoni?
Khaleel Ahmed called MS Dhoni his guru, denying to relate with Dhoni a rather personal relationship. The 26-year-old also recalled the instance from an Asia Cup 2018 when the skipper handed him the ball for the first over.
Mahi bhai is not my friend, not my elder brother, he is my guru, Khaleel Ahmed admired on Akash Chopra's youtube channel.
Since my childhood, I wanted to become the bowler who took took the first over from India since I had watched Zaheer Khan growing up. In the Asia Cup, Mahi Bhai asked me bowl the first over. I ran so hard, away from the huddle thinking that if I give it time, he might change his mind, Khaleel recalled this one instance from Asia Cup 2018.
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What is Khaleel Ahmed's record for India?
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Average | Strike Rate | Economy | Best Figures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI | 11 | 15 | 31.00 | 32.0 | 5.81 | 3/13 |
| T20I | 18 | 16 | 35.12 | 24.7 | 8.51 | 2/27 |
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