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When there’s a will, there’s a way. This proverb holds in the case of Avesh Khan. The cricketer stood tall amid tough times to find his way to the big IPL stage. Although many new players mark their appearances in the Indian Premier League, not all of them face acute hardships to stage their performance here. Some emerging cricketers had to deal with a slew of difficulties. Yet, their zeal makes them shine, and Avesh is one of those few individuals.
The fast bowler has become a household name during the 2021 IPL season. However, his route to the IPL wasn’t an easy piece of cake. On the contrary, it was one of the most difficult ones. His journey was filled with barriers and hurdles. Avesh Khan belongs to the most economically backward class. As a result, the cricketer faced a lot of financial issues while growing up. His father, Mohammed Ashique Khan, owned and ran a Paan shop in the Indore streets.
Sadly, the shop was demolished due to building construction. The cricketer once told in an interview how his family dealt with the situation when his father went jobless for two long years. At that time, Avesh Khan had to spend 30 INR per day to travel to the cricketing ground by bus. It was a big expense for him. So, he asked his father to buy him a new bicycle to cut down on the travelling costs.
His father didn’t have money to buy a new cycle. So, he bought him a second-hand piece to commute to the training ground. His father supported him even though the family was struggling to make ends meet. Aashique Khan identified the cricketing potential in his son and wanted Avesh to excel in the field. So, he did all he could to support his son despite being badly hit on the financial ground.
In 2014, Amay Khurasiya’s (former Indian cricketer) academy ran a trail in Indore where Avesh Khan demonstrated his excellence. That was the initial step of fame for this emerging cricketer. Later that year, the bowler got picked up in the MP under-16 team. The pacer blossomed at the tender age of 15-16 and performed brilliantly in all domestic tournaments.
Later, he was picked up for the under-19 World Cup. Unfortunately, the team lost to West Indies. Still, Avesh made a good impression in the minds of fans and selectors by bagging 12 wickets in 6 games. His bowling stats were impressive to captivate the hearts of experts and fans alike.
Avesh Khan also had a stint with the India A team before he was picked up by the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 2017 IPL auction. His first IPL didn’t go as he planned. He spent most of his time on the reserve bench. Delhi capitals (then Delhi Daredevils) bought Avesh in the following year for 75 lakhs INR. Even here, the bowler couldn’t cement his spot in the playing XI. The team mostly used him as an injury replacement. So, another two years went in vain for the emerging bowler.
Avesh Khan increased his speed significantly over time. Then his time came knocking in the 2021 IPL when both Anrich Nortje and Kagiso Rabada were injured. Avesh capitalised on this opportunity in the best manner. Featuring in all 16 games, the bowler amassed 24 wickets and was just behind the purple cap winner, Harshal Patel.
Avesh Khan’s records are improving season after season. Plus, his bowling speed and length have enhanced to a great extent. It would be amazing to see Avesh Khan in action in the coming years.
FAQs
Who is Avesh Khan’s favourite cricketer?
Former Indian captain M S Dhoni is Avesh Khan’s favourite cricketer.
Where was Avesh Khan born?
The fast bowler was born in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
What is Avesh’s favourite food?
He loves KFC Burger, ice cream, and chocolates.
