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Ricky Ponting, the legendary Australian captain, has expressed his belief that Khaleel Ahmed could be India’s game-changer for the upcoming Test series against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar 2024-25. Ponting, who is impressed with the current crop of fast bowlers in the Indian team, thinks they possess the potential to challenge the opposition effectively.
Khaleel Ahmed, who has been representing the Delhi Capitals in recent seasons while Ponting served as the team’s head coach until last season, has come under Ponting’s close scrutiny. As a result, Ponting is well-acquainted with Khaleel’s abilities and potential impact.
In the newest edition of The ICC Review, Ponting endorsed Khaleel Ahmed for inclusion in India’s squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The ex-Australian captain believes Khaleel’s left-arm pace would be an excellent fit for the Indian team.
“Someone like Khaleel Ahmed I think could find himself on the Test tour. I know he’s just been over in Zimbabwe recently and played that (T20I) series over there, but a left-armer would be ideal for them to have in their touring squad,” Ponting said.
Khaleel Ahmed was part of India’s reserve list for the T20 World Cup 2024. Subsequently, he joined the squad for the tour of Zimbabwe, where he featured in three games and claimed 3 wickets. During the IPL 2024 season, Khaleel took 17 wickets in 14 matches, averaging 28.18.
Ricky Ponting comments on India’s fast-bowling trio.
The 49-year-old also discussed India’s renowned fast bowling trio: Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj. Ponting believes that both India and Australia boast exceptional bowling line-ups, promising a thrilling contest between the two teams.
“(Mohammed) Shami will be back fit by then, (Mohammed) Siraj we know will be there abouts somewhere and obviously Bumrah is going nowhere. So both teams are going to line up really, really strongly,” he added.
India’s pace attack is in strong form heading into the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj are two fast bowlers who have proven to be consistently dangerous and have previously challenged Australian batsmen effectively.
Mohammed Shami is set to return to international cricket.
Mohammed Shami is gearing up for a return to Test cricket, having already commenced his training. If India can keep all three pace bowlers—Bumrah, Siraj, and Shami—in peak condition through the series against Australia, they could pose a significant challenge to the hosts on their home turf.
Additionally, Arshdeep Singh is a strong contender for selection. Recently, he has been in impressive form, topping the wicket-taking charts in the T20 World Cup 2024 with 17 wickets from 8 matches. His skill in swinging the new ball with his left-arm angle could provide India with a crucial edge.
India has enjoyed success on their last two tours of Australia, with their most recent series win being particularly notable as they overcame a formidable Australian team despite several key injuries.
