Avesh Khan's interview: Team India's netballer said – we are strong contenders for the cup; Kohli, Pant, and Rohit will be important against Pakistan

Avesh Khan, who was the second-highest wicket-taker for India by taking 24 wickets in 16 matches in the 14th season of IPL, is hopeful that he will get a chance in Team India soon. Avesh Khan, who was involved with the team as a net bowler in the T20 World Cup, believes that Team India is a strong contender for victory.

He believes that apart from India, according to him, West Indies will also be a contender for the team. He believes that every player on the team will make an important contribution in getting Team India to the World Cup. Bhaskar talks about Avesh's career and his experience as a net bowler with Team India. Here are the highlights of the conversation

Question. How strong is India in this World Cup? And who can prove to be the trump card in this tournament?

Avesh: Our team is very strong, balanced and everyone is performing well. The team is a strong contender to win the World Cup. Everyone on the team is performing extremely well. Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja are also in good form. In such a situation, it is not right to call any player the trump card. You can win a match or two with individual performance, but you can't win consistently unless the entire team plays well. Team India will win the World Cup if all the players perform well in their own right.

According to you, which other team apart from India can be a contender for the World Cup?

Charge: Apart from India, West Indies can be a contender. The team is very good and their players are very fit like Kieron Pollard, Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hitmayer. West Indies team can give a lot of tough competition to India.

When do you think you will be a part of India's premier team?

Avesh: Look, this is not in my hands. Whenever the selectors feel that I am right for the team and whenever I get a chance, I will try to make my permanent place.

You play for Delhi in IPL and the coach of the team is Ricky Ponting, what did you learn from him?

Avesh: I have learned a lot from him. It has been four years with him, so he knows me very well. Learning from him, I have performed well in IPL. He has always supported me mentally, always telling me what to do and what not to do. Always used to explain that you are the best, you will do well. It feels good when the coach motivates you like this.

How happy are you with your IPL performance this year?

Avesh: Satisfied a bit, but will try to do even better in the coming years. I always push myself a little above the benchmark I set. I try to do a little better.

You have played with Ishant Sharma, what did you learn from him and the rest of the team?

Answer: Ishant Bhai always used to guide that in this match, throw such a ball or could have bowled such a ball. I used to take care of all these things and try to bring improvement. He used to explain to me that he can bowl the ball slow here, he can bowl a bouncer to this batsman. It felt good when he used to come and explain all this.

This is India's first match with Pakistan, so how strong are we in your view, and which Pakistani bowler or batsman can create trouble for India?

Avesh: I think if we focus on our performance then our chances of winning will increase. Instead of thinking that the team has such a batsman, such a bowler, such a good player. If we play on our strength and give our 100%, then India will win.

What did you struggle with to reach here?

Avesh: Struggle has done a lot. Me and my family too. Whenever I think about him, I feel good. The truth is that if he had not struggled, he would not have reached here. Now the only prayer is that I should play matches for Team India as soon as possible and always remember my struggle so that my hunger to play can increase more.