Where is Avesh Khan? The energetic pacer looks to return to India via Ranji Trophy Cricket News:
NEW DELHI: Two years ago, Avesh Khan: was one of the standbys during India’s successful T20 World Cup campaign in 2024. Since then, hampered by injuries and subsequent loss of form, his international career has faded.Now, after a disappointing outing for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), the Madhya Pradesh pacer played a key role in the Chambal Ghariyals winning the 2026 Madhya Pradesh Premier League (MPL) title. The six-foot-two-inch fast bowler, playing in the MPL for the first time, picked up 13 wickets during Ghariyal’s title-winning campaign.The road to this personal and team glory was not easy. It has been almost a year since Avesh underwent knee surgery.“It was difficult.Uthna, baithna, nahaana, sona sab mushkil ho gaya tha surgery ke baad) I had knee surgery, and even simple things like showering, sitting and sleeping became a challenge. For almost three weeks, I could not move freely, and it was frustrating,” he told TimesofIndia.com in an exclusive chat.“It is very difficult for a fast bowler because if you are injured, you are out for two or three months and you have to find your rhythm again.“I completed my rehab properly and tried to keep myself mentally strong. Injuries are frustrating because there’s nothing you can do about them. Recovery takes time, and rehab is exhausting. I always told myself that this phase is over and I’ll go back to playing cricket.”
Avesh Khan plays for Chambal Ghariyals in the Madhya Pradesh T20 League.
Avesh, who played eight ODIs and 25 T20Is, last played for India in November 2024. The speedster now feels he is at the peak of his fitness and wants to return to the Indian team through Ranji Trophy.“I’m ready for the grind again,” he said. “If a fast bowler wants to play in the Ranji Trophy, he should be able to bowl at least 30 overs a week. If I can consistently bowl 30 overs a week for four weeks, I will know that my body is ready,” Avesh shared his plans.“Ranji Trophy involves long spells, travel and a short recovery period, so your body needs to be ready. Before the season, I will also play two or three practice games,” added Avesh.
If a fast bowler wants to play in the Ranji Trophy, he must be able to bowl at least 30 overs in a week. If I can consistently do about 30 overs a week for four weeks, I know my body is ready.
Avesh Khan:
Avesh admitted that it was a challenge to play in all three formats, but he enjoyed it. He believes that adaptation to all three formats is in the offing, insisting that fast bowlers should focus on finding the right balance instead of looking for excuses.“Nothing is difficult if you know how to find the right balance,” says Avesh. “In T20 cricket, you need variations like yorkers, wide yorkers, slower bouncers and cutters. I developed those skills gradually over time.”While he works on expanding his white-ball skill set, the Madhya Pradesh pacer admits that red-ball cricket remains his biggest ambition. Despite being selected in India’s Test squad, he is yet to make his debut and hopes to change that in the upcoming domestic season.
Ahmedabad: LSG’s Avesh Khan along with teammates celebrate GJ’s Shahrukh Khan’s wicket during the IPL 2025 cricket match between Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. (PTI Photo/Shahbaz Khan)
“I love red-ball cricket. Playing Test cricket for India for a long time is my biggest goal,” he added that after the MPL he will shift his focus to preparing for the Ranji Trophy by improving his fitness, managing his bowling workload and building his body for the longer format.Avesh also dismissed the idea that bowlers should fear the run-fests that have become the norm in T20 cricket.“I always looked at it as an opportunity. I didn’t think I’d hit for a run,” he said.
If I do well in a high-scoring game, people notice it even more. If I can help my team win from that situation, that’s something special.
Avesh Khan:
“When I do well in a high-scoring game, people notice it even more. If I can help my team win from that situation, that’s something special. That’s the mindset I always try to maintain.”It has indeed been a long road for Avesh Khan, who was once touted as the next big thing but is no longer in the pecking order. His journey to the top was straightforward. Financial struggles, injuries and lack of opportunities slowed his progress, but like every fast bowler, he kept charging on.
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Now, with India’s Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill making it clear that the team wants to invest in top fast bowlers capable of taking wickets in the middle overs, a fully fit Avesh could yet force his way back into the national setup. And a strong Ranji Trophy season could be the first step towards another Indian comeback.
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