Avesh Khan Aims For Test Cricket Debut With Gautam Gambhir As Coach

Avesh Khan, preparing for the fourth T20I against Zimbabwe on Thursday, has shared his ambition to play Test cricket for India. The 27-year-old cricketer has participated in 23 T20Is and eight ODIs since his debut in 2022.

In a BCCI video ahead of the fourth T20I in Harare, Avesh expressed his enthusiasm for red-ball cricket. He highlighted his fitness by mentioning that he can bowl 20-25 overs if required in the Ranji Trophy. "I'm very excited for Test cricket as I feel it's a format where I can prove myself which I've done for my state team, India A or while Duleep, Deodhar trophy. I'm waiting for that chance as there's a different kind of fun playing Test cricket. I love to bowl with the red ball as I bowl around 20-25 overs in a day for my state team as well. In the entire season I bowl around 300-350 overs so I'm looking forward to a chance to play Test cricket and do well for my country in the longest format," Avesh Khan said.

Avesh's statement comes shortly after Gautam Gambhir's appointment as the new head coach of the Indian cricket team. Avesh has previously played under Gambhir's guidance at Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in IPL.

Avesh also praised Jasprit Bumrah, echoing Virat Kohli's sentiment by calling him a generational bowler. He elaborated on Bumrah's execution skills, which were crucial during the T20 World Cup 2024 final against South Africa in Barbados on June 29. "Like Virat bhai said, he is a once in a generation bowler, it is true and we all believe so. His style of bowling and his mindset are different, but the main (thing) is his execution, for which we all practice," Avesh said.

"Whenever I speak with him, he tells me to focus on the execution. If you are thinking of sending down a yorker, then it has to be a yorker; it cannot be a full toss or a half volley, a bouncer has to be on the shoulders; a length ball has to be (aimed at) the top of off (stump)," concluded Avesh.

Avesh Khan has an impressive record in first-class cricket with 43 matches and 165 wickets at an average of 22.49. He also boasts eight five-wicket hauls in red-ball cricket.