Left-arm pace sensation Khaleel Ahmed says that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have made him feel like one of the integral members of this Indian team. With the Australia tour round the corner, Khaleel says that working closely with the likes of Kohli, Rohit and former India skipper MS Dhoni will stand him in good stead as he gears up for his biggest test so far in his international career.
“It has been a dream ride by God’s grace. I am living a dream, but this wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the senior members in the Indian team. Starting from Kohli bhai and Rohit bhai, they have all been very welcoming and made me feel at home from the word go. As a youngster going into the team, I was nervous to be honest, but they gave me the freedom to express myself with the ball.
“You might feel a lot of things about your own capabilities. But till the time the seniors don’t show that faith in your abilities, it means nothing. Both Kohli bhai — his captain in the Windies ODI series — and Rohit bhai — his captain in the Asia Cup and the WI T20I series — gave me that freedom and liberty. They said go and express yourself. Not for once did they wish to dictate the kind of field I should have or the line and length I should bowl. I am blessed to have such leaders,” he smiled.
