NEW DELHI: Two years ago, Avesh Khan he was among the standouts during his best performance in India’s World Cup T20 in 2024. Since then, due to injuries and loss of form, his international career has gone downhill.Now, after being upset by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), the Madhya Pradesh batsman played a key role in Chambal Ghariyals winning the 2026 Madhya Pradesh Premier League (MPL) title. The six-inch fast bowler, who was playing in the MPL for the first time, took 13 wickets in Ghariyal’s title-winning campaign.The path to personal and collective 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 operation ke baad) I had knee surgery, and even simple things like showering, sitting down and sleeping became difficult for me. For almost three weeks, I could not walk freely, and it was frustrating,” he told TimesofIndia.com in an exclusive chat.“It is very difficult for a fast player because when you get injured, you are out for two or three months and then you have to find your rhythm again.“I finished my rehab and tried to stay mentally strong. Injuries are frustrating because you can’t do anything. Recovery takes time, and rehab is tiring. I kept telling myself that this phase will be over and I’ll be back playing cricket.”
Avesh Khan played for Chambal Ghariyals in Madhya Pradesh T20 League.
Avesh, who has played eight ODIs and 25 T20Is, last played for India in November 2024. The all-rounder now feels he is at his peak and wants to return to the Indian team through Ranji Trophy.“I’m ready to grind again,” he said. “If a fast bowler wants to play Ranji Trophy, he should bowl at least 30 a week. If I can bowl at least 30 a week for four weeks, I will know that my body is ready,” Avesh shared his plan.“Ranji Trophy involves long journeys, trips and short recovery time, so your body should be ready. Before the season, I will play two or three more matches,” added Avesh.
If a fast bowler wants to play Ranji Trophy, he has to bowl at least 30 overs in a week. If I can get over 30 hours a week for four weeks, I’ll know my body is ready.
Avesh Khan
Avesh admits that playing all three genres is challenging, but he enjoys it. He believes that taking all three forms is preparation, insisting that athletes focus on getting better instead of looking for excuses.“There is nothing difficult if you know how to get money,” said Avesh. “In T20 cricket, you need variations like yorkers, yorkers, slow bowlers and cutters. I developed this skill gradually over time.”Despite his efforts to improve his white-ball skills, the Madhya Pradesh all-rounder admitted that red-ball cricket remains his biggest ambition. Despite being selected in India’s Test squad, he has yet to make his debut and will be hoping for a change in the coming season.
Ahmedabad: LSG’s Avesh Khan and his teammates celebrate the wicket of GJ Shahrukh Khan 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 main goal,” he said, adding that after the MPL he will focus on preparing for the Ranji Trophy by improving his fitness, managing his bowling and building his body to last longer.Avesh also rejected the idea that bowlers should be afraid of the fast game that is prevalent in T20 cricket.“I always look at it as an opportunity. I don’t think about hitting for runs,” he said.
The more I do well in high scoring games, the more people notice. If I can help my team win that, that’s something special.
Avesh Khan
“When I do well in a big game, people notice a lot. If I can help my team win in such an event, it’s something special. That’s the attitude I always try to keep.”It’s been a long road for Avesh Khan, who was once known as the greatest but has moved on. His journey to the top was not straightforward. Financial problems, injuries and lack of opportunities slowed his progress, but like any professional athlete, he kept going.
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Now, with India’s Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill suggesting that the team wants to invest in fast bowlers who can take wickets between the overs, the fit Avesh could force his way back to the country. And a strong Ranji Trophy season could be the first step towards India’s comeback.
