I’m thrilled to be playing Test cricket because I think it’s a platform where I can succeed: Avesh Khan

With the turbulent emergence of Twenty20 cricket, the ultimate ambition for the younger generation may have changed, but the desire to play Test cricket for their country and wear the whites never goes away. Right-arm medium-pacer Avesh Khan expressed exactly this attitude when he talked about his lifelong dream of competing in the most demanding and prestigious format of the game at the world level.

He accurately said that he had already proven his abilities playing for his state side, Madhya Pradesh, and for India A in a number of other domestic tournaments, including the Duleep Trophy and the Deodhar Trophy. He also spoke about how much he was looking forward to representing India in Test cricket and the special delight it offers. He expressed how much he loved bowling with the red ball and demonstrated this by giving his state team 20–25 overs a day, or 300–350 overs in a season.

“I’m looking forward to playing Test cricket because I think it’s a format where I can show my abilities, as I have with my state team, India A, or when I play for the Duleep Trophy or the Deodhar Trophy. I’m holding out for that opportunity because playing Test cricket is fun in a different way. I bowl on my state team and enjoy bowling with the red ball. I typically bowl 20 to 25 overs in a single day. Avesh said in a video posted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India, “I bowl between 300 and 350 overs during the whole season, so I’m looking forward to a chance to play Test cricket and do well for my country in the longest format.

With an economy rate of 3.11 and a remarkable haul of 165 wickets at an average of 22.49, the unwearied bowler has represented Madhya Pradesh in 43 matches since making his first-class debut in December 2014. He has an excellent record, but thus yet, he hasn’t been given much thought as a possible member of the Indian Test team. Whether it’s for the tour Down Under, he would be hoping for a call-up for the forthcoming home series against Bangladesh and New Zealand later this year.

As Virat bhai stated, he is a bowler of a rare breed. Avesh Khan on Bumrah

Despite the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, the 2024 T20 World Cup Player of the Tournament, Avesh and the rest of the bowling contingent have performed admirably as India continues their tour of Zimbabwe. Avesh echoed the words of previous bowling coach Paras Mhambrey and Virat Kohli when he spoke of Bumrah’s grandeur and legendary status, describing him as a bowler who comes only once in a lifetime. Additionally, he stated that Bumrah has always counselled him to put emphasis on execution, stressing that this should be the bowler’s main goal.

We all think that Virat bhai, as he stated, is a bowler who comes only once in a generation. His bowling technique and mentality are distinct, but what matters most is his execution, which is something we all work on. Every time I talk to him, he advises me to concentrate on the execution. A bouncer must be on the shoulders, a length ball must be (aimed at) the top of off (stump), and if you are thinking about sending down a yorker, it must be a yorker; it cannot be a full toss or a half-volley,” Avesh continued.

Also Read: T20 World Cup 2026 is the goal for seasoned Nabi.

Even though he can be expensive, Avesh has been one of the most prolific wicket-takers and, if things go as planned, he could end up topping the Zimbabwe series standings.