Avesh Khan should receive the same backing as Siraj because he has talent – Irfan Pathan

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes Avesh Khan should receive the same backing as Mohammed Siraj as the fast bowler has the talent to go a long way in his career.

Khan made his T20I debut against West Indies in the third T20I but he was taken for 42 runs in his quota of four overs and he also went wicketless.

However, the right-arm fast bowler bounced back stronger in the third T20I against Sri Lanka as he snared two wickets and conceded 23 runs in his quota of four overs. In fact, Khan had conceded only four runs in his first three overs but went for 19 runs in the final over.

Meanwhile, it is well known that Virat Kohli backed Mohammed Siraj to the hilt. Siraj has grown in confidence since making his Test debut in Melbourne against Australia. The right-arm fast bowler has taken giant strides as a bowler and he has been a different bowler altogether.

On the other hand, Avesh Khan was bagged for a whopping price of INR 10 crores by Lucknow Supergiants in IPL 2022 auctions. Thus, Khan had become the most expensive uncapped player in the auction as he had not made his debut back then.

Moreover, Khan had impressed while playing for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2021 as he had scalped 24 wickets in 16 matches and finished as the second-highest wicket-taker of the season.

“Backing is very important for every player because when you play in international cricket, you have more bad days than good days,” Irfan Pathan said on Star Sports.

“When you have those bad days, it is important that your captain and the team management backs you. When we talk about Mohammed Siraj, Virat Kohli backed him a lot. I would go to the extent of saying that Kohli should be credited for the confidence with which Siraj bowls in international cricket. So yes, players need that backing. And I believe Avesh Khan should receive the same backing as Siraj because he has that talent,” Pathan said.

Avesh Khan has also impressed with his skills while playing for Madhya Pradesh in the domestic circuit. Khan will look to continue his good show in the IPL for Lucknow Super Giants. IPL 2022 will begin on March 26.