Discover the inspiring journey of Khaleel Ahmed, a rising star in Indian cricket. From humble beginnings to international recognition, his story is one of dedication and overcoming challenges.

Biography/Wiki

Born Khaleel Khursheed Ahmed on December 5, 1997, in Tonk, Rajasthan, India, Khaleel hails from a Muslim family. His early passion was evident; even as a child playing with a tennis ball, his sporting nature shone through. His dream? To play for the Indian Cricket Team. This dream, however, initially faced opposition from his parents who envisioned a different path for him.

Family

Khaleel’s father, Khursheed Ahmed, works as a nurse, and his mother is a homemaker. He has three sisters. The family dynamic played a significant role in shaping his journey, initially presenting obstacles he had to overcome to pursue his cricketing ambitions.

Career

At just 12 years old, Khaleel secretly joined a cricket academy in Tonk. He emulated the styles of renowned bowlers Zaheer Khan and Irfan Pathan, diligently honing his skills. His talent quickly became apparent.

His coach, Imtiyaz Khan, recognized his potential and guided him to the Rajasthan Cricket Academy in Jaipur. There, he excelled in the Rajasthan Under-14 camp, capturing an impressive 26 wickets in only 4 matches! This led to further opportunities, including a place at a BCCI Specialist Academy in Mohali, Punjab.

His success continued: 13 wickets in 5 matches for India U-19 secured his spot in the 2016 Under-19 Cricket World Cup squad. His first-class debut for Rajasthan in the Ranji Trophy against Jammu & Kashmir followed in 2017. A remarkable debut for the Indian Cricket Team against Hong Kong in September 2018, marked by 3 wickets, solidified his place on the national stage. His ODI debut followed swiftly in the Asia Cup against Hong Kong in Dubai on September 18, 2018.

Salary/Net Worth

Khaleel’s talent has translated into financial success. He was drafted by Delhi Daredevils for ?10 lakh in 2016. His value skyrocketed, leading to a significant increase in earnings when Sunrisers Hyderabad bought him for ?3 Crore in the 2018 IPL auction.

Interesting Facts

Here are some noteworthy facts about Khaleel Ahmed:

• Zaheer Khan is his role model.
• He was part of the India-B team that won the Deodhar Trophy.
• His bowling speed reaches approximately 144 kmph.
• He has a unique habit of rhyming words with those beginning with the letter ‘V’ (e.g., “Match-Vatch,” “Bouncer-Vouncer”).

Key Milestones in Khaleel Ahmed’s Career