New Zealand vs India, 1st T20I: 5 Talking Points

#4 Khaleel Ahmed might not be an option for the fourth seamer’s spot

Khaleel Ahmed put in another sub-standard display

At the Asia Cup last year, Khaleel Ahmed enjoyed a decent start and quickly captured everyone’s imagination. Yet, a few months on, he is worryingly looking like a one-trick pony who might not have a lot to offer in England.

Though it would be a little harsh to completely rubbish the idea of taking the left-arm pacer to the World Cup, Khaleel has hardly done himself any favours with a string of insipid displays.

The seamer was targeted by the Australians in the limited overs series and the same was evident at the Westpac Stadium. The New Zealanders arrived with a clear game-plan of not trying anything fancy against Bhuvneshwar, rather relying on increasing the run rate when facing Khaleel.

However, the most worrying aspect could be the seamer’s lack of ideas. It is never easy to make the step up to international cricket and Khaleel has evidently suffered. Though the left-arm pacer is definitely one to look out for in the future, the World Cup in May might just come a little too soon for such a greenhorn.

India certainly don’t need to throw him by the wayside yet need to seriously ponder different alternatives heading to England.