Some still believe that it was unfair for Avesh Khan to not make it to the Indian squad for the 2021 T20 World Cup.
Along with Harshal Patel, he was easily the most impressive Indian pace bowler in the league. However, the Indian selectors did not want to take any major risks and went in with the tried and tested combination of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, JaspritBumrah and Shardul Thakur.
However, that did not yield the anticipated fruit and India was knocked out of the competition quite early after defeats against Pakistan and New Zealand.
While it is easier to say in hindsight that a bowler like Avesh Khan, who had impressed recently in the IPL in a similar set of conditions would have been a better option, he will be looking forward to break into the Indian squad for the next showpiece event and show what the team missed out on.
Avesh has now been drafted in the Indian team under the new regime of Rahul Dravid and has been getting consistent opportunities. Avesh featured in all the five matches against South Africa played right after the IPL and also picked up his best T20 figures in the series.
The thing that stands out about Avesh Khan is his versatility. He has the ability to bowl well over 140 kph but it is not his pace which is his unique selling proposition.
He can bowl full as well as short and has venom on the ball doing both. His yorkers and slower deliveries are also polished and he can be a real asset if used in the right manner.