ZIM vs IND | Twitter reacts to Khaleel going through all stages of grief after Avesh denies him comeback scalp

07/06/2024

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In a landscape as competitive as Indian cricket, it takes something special to claw your way back into the blue jersey after spurning opportunities. Khaleel Ahmed achieved this rare satisfaction with his first game for India since 2019, only to be robbed of a scalp by Avesh Khan's dropped sitter.

‌An inexperienced Indian side rocked back the Zimbabwean side with three wickets in the first half of their innings to firmly grasp control in the first T20I at Harare Sports Club. Mukesh Kumar delivered the first breakthrough before Ravi Bishnoi added two more in successive overs, and the Men in Blue could have been even better positioned were it not for Avesh Khan's buttery fingers in the deep.

Khaleel Ahmed, returning to the international scene after five years courtesy of a brilliant IPL season with Delhi Capitals, banged in a ball off the deck to Brian Bennett on the second ball of the fifth over to generate a thick outside edge. The right-arm quick watched in anticipation as the ball seemed to sail straight to Avesh at deep third man. However, a tragic misjudgment meant Avesh had to put ina scampering dive at the last moment but the ball inevitably evaded him and made its way to the boundary, much to Khaleel's disappointment. Nonetheless, the 26-year-old kept his emotions in check by simply closing his eyes in disappointment, even as rage bubbled up on his face, before quietly walking back to his mark.

Twitterati was quick to empathize with Khaleel's misfortune.

That reaction from Khaleel tells you all!

— Johnson (@Johnson427427)

THis is pathetic effort from Avesh!

India's next gen cricket team's fielding skills are below par level. Why avesh khan getting chance after chance. Bcci should encourage selection committee to select those have good fielding skills.
— XYZ (@Bikash_294)

Moye moye!

These were our reserve bowlers for T20 world Cup,If BUMRAAH and ARSHDEEP got injured :- Avesh khan & Khaleel for the whole world cup series imagine lolz 🤣
— Kamal Rana🇮🇳 (@kamaaljit85)

True!

Horrible Horrible fielding by Avesh Khan, he should improve his fielding if he wants to play for India for a long time.
— Jitu Choudhary (@Jitu4Baitu)

Can't be that weak in foelding being an Intl. cricketer!

Horrible Horrible fielding by Avesh Khan, he should improve his fielding if he wants to play for India for a long time.
— Royal Rajasthani (@19azhar93)

That was such an easy catch!