'I want to represent the Indian Test team' - Avesh Khan sets target for international comeback

Team India had a strong start to 2023, winning limited-overs series against both Sri Lanka and New Zealand and completely dominating the latter in one-day internationals. In addition, all-rounder Hardik Pandya captained the Indian T20I side in the absence of veterans Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, leading many to speculate that this would be the beginning of a new era, a split-captaincy method, for India in the game's shortest format.

Apart from Kohli and Rohit, there were other players too who were missing from the squad due to one or the other reason. While pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah was out due to injury issues, emerging star Mohammed Siraj was given a much-deserved rest after he played a crucial role in India’s victory against New Zealand in the ODIs.

But one player who had a breakthrough entry into the Indian side but has been missing from the squad for a long time now is Avesh Khan. He has fallen out of favor with the team after being forced to miss crucial matches in the Asia Cup owing to sickness. Since then, he has failed to make the cut for the T20Is, and his last ODI appearance for the team came against South Africa in October 2022.

Avesh is now seriously contemplating a return to the Indian team. While speaking to Indian Express, he admitted that it was disappointing to be sidelined due to illness, but is now looking to be selected for a Test match as he said:

“Twice I was ruled out because I was not feeling well. People might judge that on a few occasions I went expensive but in today’s cricket 6 out of ten times bowlers have a bad day. I’m not complaining or giving excuses but that’s the truth. Now I have forgotten everything; instead I’m living in the present. When selection happens it will happen. Performing is in my hand and selection is not. So I have stopped thinking about it.”

I need to stand up and take the responsibility of taking my team through: Avesh Khan

The 26-year-old speedster has been a mainstay for Madhya Pradesh in domestic competitions ever since his outstanding performance with the Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League last year. With 36 wickets under his belt in seven games, he has the most wickets for the team thus far in the ongoing Ranji Trophy.

“I have played for India with white ball but I want to represent the Indian Test team and for that I’m working hard. I knew I needed to step up for MP because how many times do we see a team trailing bouncing to win matches in Ranji Trophy. If I’m good I need to stand up and take the responsibility of taking my team through. It was a complete team effort and we played like a team today,” Avesh added.

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