Powerplay Bowler

AFTER GETTING HELP FROM CHILDHOOD COACH IN OFF-SEASON, PACER KHALEEL HAS THRIVED TO STAND OUT FOR CSK

- FIROZ MIRZA @ Mumbai

HIS team, Chennai Super Kings, might still be struggling to stay in contention for the playoff but this edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is turning out to be special for the left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed. The 27-year-old from Tonk, Rajasthan was bought for ₹4.8 crore by the five-time champions in the mega auction. His effectiveness in the opening overs was perhaps one of the reasons for splurging that sum on him and he has reposed the faith put on him by the team management.

Till CSK's match against Lucknow Super Giants, Ahmed has struck in the innings' opening over four times in seven matches giving MS Dhoni-led side an early inroad. Be it the delivery that bowled MI batter Rohit Sharma through the gate or the one that sent back Delhi Capitals' opener Jake Fraser-McGurk. The same was the fate of Yashasvi Jaiswal of Rajasthan Royals and LSG's Aiden Markram when they faced Ahmed in the first over of the innings.