Irfan Pathan backs Khaleel
Irfan Pathan praised Arshdeep Singh as India’s No. 1 T20I bowler but named Khaleel Ahmed as the next best left-arm fast-bowling choice.
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan lauded Arshdeep Singh for his rise as the country’s leading T20I bowler and identified Khaleel Ahmed as the closest alternative. Khaleel, who spearheaded Chennai Super Kings’ pace attack in the last IPL season, was singled out by Pathan as the next in line.
Arshdeep has cemented his place in India’s white-ball squad over the past few years. His role in India’s T20 World Cup-winning campaign in 2024, where he finished as joint-highest wicket-taker with 17 scalps, highlighted his impact. The left-arm pacer currently has 99 wickets in 63 matches and is on the verge of becoming the first Indian bowler to claim 100 T20I wickets.
Pathan stressed that Khaleel Ahmed fits the bill as the next option after Arshdeep Singh. He pointed to Khaleel’s ability to bowl at 135-140 kph, swing the ball both ways, and use bouncers effectively.
“Arshdeep (Singh) is our No. 1 bowler in white-ball cricket, and there is no doubt about it. But after Arshdeep, if we must talk about someone who has the skill – and as a left-arm fast bowler, you need a few things like the ability to bowl around the speed of 135-140 (kmph), swing the ball both ways, bowl bouncers – Khaleel ticks all these boxes, and is now improving more,” Pathan was quoted as saying to Revsportz.
ALSO READ | “Don’t Think He Will…”: AB de Villiers Makes Shocking Jasprit Bumrah Prediction For Asia Cup 2025
Khaleel last played a T20I for India in Sri Lanka last year, where he went wicketless on a spin-friendly Pallekelle track, conceding 28 runs in three overs. Since then, he has rebuilt his form, emerging as a key wicket-taker for CSK in IPL 2025, especially in the powerplay. He finished the season with 15 wickets in 14 games at an average of 29.80. Pathan believes Khaleel now has the skills to deliver in crucial situations.
The former India pacer highlighted Khaleel’s development as a bowler, crediting his sharper slow bouncer, improved seam position, and better fitness.
“He has improved his slow bouncer, his seam position is better, and he has improved his fitness as well. So, he has all the potential to play at his peak, which is right now, and the next 4-5 years. It’s all about being in the right place, at the right time, and performing in crucial situations. He had a really good season with CSK, and being there as well does help. Hopefully, he’ll be able to make it really big within the next 5 to 6 years,” Irfan Pathan added.
Dafabet
- Maximum Cricket Cashback 10%
- India Super League Cashback
- Common wallet 100% deposit bonus up to ₹8,000 !
Last Updated on August 29, 2025
