Bengaluru: Avesh Khan, the fast bowler from Madhya Pradesh, expressed regret over his helmet-throwing incident during an IPL match between Lucknow Supergiant's and Royal Challengers Bangalore in Bengaluru. In an interview with the Indian Express, Khan admitted that his emotions got the better of him in the heat of the moment, leading to the incident.
He acknowledged that his actions were inappropriate and expressed remorse for his behavior, particularly as it gained significant attention and criticism on social media.
Looking ahead, Khan is hopeful of making a comeback to the Indian team as the West Indies series approaches. His last appearance for India was in October 2022 against South Africa. While he was not included in the T20 World Cup squad in Australia, Khan performed well in domestic cricket, particularly in test matches, where he claimed 38 wickets in eight matches for Madhya Pradesh. However, his IPL campaign did not meet his personal expectations. Despite this, Khan highlighted his contribution to the team, bowling crucial overs in the powerplay and at the death, and maintaining an economy rate of less than 10 in a season characterized by high-scoring matches.
Khan received praise from his Lucknow team coach, Andy Flower, for his dedication and selflessness in prioritizing the team's success. Flower commended Khan's commitment, even playing through injuries, as he had stitches in his hand during some IPL games. Khan emphasized the challenges faced by fast bowlers, particularly the mental toll of transitioning from international cricket to domestic cricket. He spoke about the demanding schedule, physical strain, and limited rest days associated with playing domestic matches.
In his pursuit of an India comeback, Khan has sought guidance from various experts. Subroto Banerjee, a current selector, advised him to focus on keeping his wrist straight, while Paras Mhambrey, the Indian team's bowling coach, provided insights on utilizing the non-bowling arm effectively. Additionally, Gautam Gambhir, the Lucknow team mentor, encouraged Khan to bowl at maximum pace, even if it meant conceding runs. Khan has diligently analyzed his bowling videos to identify areas for improvement and work on rectifying his shortcomings, Khan said during the interview.
When asked about his chances of being selected for the upcoming tour of the West Indies, Khan remained hopeful but acknowledged that the selection process was beyond his control. He expressed determination to make a comeback and emphasized his commitment to achieving that goal.
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New Delhi (PTI): In the wake of violence in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday accused the Yogi Adityanath government of creating divisions while sitting in power and urged the Supreme Court to take cognisance of the matter and deliver justice.
Three people were killed and scores of others, including security and administration personnel, injured as protesters opposing a court-ordered survey of a Mughal-era mosque in Sambhal clashed with police on Sunday.
In a post in Hindi on X, Priyanka Gandhi said, "The attitude of the state government regarding the sudden dispute in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, is very unfortunate. The way the administration acted in haste in such a sensitive matter without listening to the other side, without taking both the parties into confidence, shows that the government itself spoiled the atmosphere there."
The administration did not even consider it necessary to follow the necessary procedure and duty, the Congress general secretary said.
"Trying to spread discrimination, oppression and division while sitting in power is neither in the interest of the people nor in the interest of the country. The honourable Supreme Court should take cognisance of the matter and do justice," Priyanka Gandhi said.
"My appeal to the people of the state is to maintain peace in all circumstances," she asserted.
The district administration has imposed prohibitory orders and barred the entry of outsiders till November 30 following Sunday's violence.
Deputy Inspector General of Police (Moradabad) Muniraj told reporters on Monday that Naeem, Bilal and Nauman -- the three men who died in Sunday's violence -- had been buried. All three were aged about 25.
Divisional Commissioner (Moradabad) Aunjaneya Kumar Singh said on Sunday, "Shots were fired by miscreants... the PRO of the superintendent of police suffered a gunshot to the leg, the circle officer was hit by pellets and 15 to 20 security personnel were injured in the violence."
A constable also suffered a serious head injury while the deputy collector fractured his leg, he had said.
Internet services were soon suspended in Sambhal tehsil for 24 hours and the district administration declared a holiday in all schools for Monday.
The Congress on Sunday alleged that the Adityanath administration was squarely responsible for killing innocents and only the BJP-RSS was guilty of "setting fire" to peace and harmony in Sambhal.
The opposition party had said the videos of direct firing on the protesters depicted the horrifying result of a "well-planned conspiracy" by Adityanath and the BJP-RSS.