India vs South Africa 4th T20I: There was pressure but credit to Rahul Dravid sir for giving chances to everybody, says Avesh Khan

Having conceded 87 runs in 11 overs in the first three games, the 25-year-old quick was under pressure, with many questioning his place in the side, asking him to be replaced by pace merchant Umran Malik or Arshdeep Singh in the XI. However, Avesh shut his critics for the time being with a lethal spell, riding on the extra bounce in the wicket to prise out Dwayne Pretorious (0), Rassie Van der Dussen (20), Marco Jansen (12), whom he ‘softened up’ with a blow to his helmet before knocking him off, and Keshav Maharaj (0).

“Yes, I was under a bit of pressure, because I had taken no wickets in the first three games. However, Rahul sir (coach Rahul Dravid) and the team management overall kept their faith in me and played me in today’s match too. I’m feeling very happy. Since it was my dad’s birthday, you can say that he got a small ‘birthday gift’ (from me),” the Madhya Pradesh seamer, who was the highest wicket-taker for Lucknow Super Giants -18 scalps @23.11 (economy rate: 8.72)in 13 games in IPL-2022, said after his heroics here. Resisting calls for a change, India have played the same XI in all the four games of this series- a policy which has helped someone like Avesh prove himself after his initial failures. The youngster credited India coach Rahul Dravid for sticking to the same outfit despite calls for an alteration, saying that it ultimately helped players like him prove their worth. “As you can see, there have been no changes to the XI in the four games here. So, I’d like to give credit to Rahul sir (coach Rahul Dravid) that he gives a good opportunity to everyone (to prove themselves) because you can’t drop or include a player, or say that he’s a good player, on the basis of performance in one or two games. He’s