Full Name: Khaleel Khursheed Ahmed
Nickname: Khaleel
Date of Birth: 5 December 1997
Age (as of 2025): 27 Years
Place of Birth: Tonk, Rajasthan, India
Nationality: Indian
Religion: Islam
Profession: Cricketer (Bowler)
Batting Style: Right-Handed Batter
Bowling Style: Left-Arm Fast-Medium
Role in Team: Bowler (Fast)
Teams Played For: India National Team, Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan, India A, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Delhi Capitals (IPL)
Net Worth (Approx): ₹10–12 Crore (as of 2025)
Early Life and Background
Khaleel Ahmed was born on 5 December 1997 in Tonk, Rajasthan, into a modest family. His father, Khursheed Ahmed, worked as a nurse in a local hospital, and initially wanted his son to focus on studies instead of sports. However, young Khaleel’s love for cricket began early, and he would often play with tennis balls on the streets of Tonk.
Recognizing his potential, Khaleel’s father eventually supported his dream. He moved to Jaipur to receive professional cricket training at the Rajasthan Cricket Academy, where his natural pace and ability to swing the ball quickly caught the attention of coaches.
Under the guidance of Imtiyaz Khan, Khaleel refined his bowling technique and developed the ability to consistently bowl above 135 km/h — a rare skill for Indian left-arm pacers at the junior level.
Domestic Career
Khaleel Ahmed made his domestic debut for Rajasthan in the 2016–17 Ranji Trophy. His consistent performances in the domestic circuit — especially in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy — established him as one of India’s most promising fast bowlers.
He was soon called up to play for India A, where he impressed with his pace and control, picking up crucial wickets against strong international opponents.
Khaleel’s left-arm angle and ability to move the ball both ways made him stand out in India’s pace lineup, which was then dominated by right-arm bowlers.
International Career
Khaleel Ahmed made his international debut for India in 2018 under the captaincy of Virat Kohli.
ODI Debut:
18 September 2018 vs Hong Kong (Dubai)
T20I Debut:
4 November 2018 vs West Indies (Kolkata)
In his debut ODI match against Hong Kong, Khaleel picked up three crucial wickets, instantly making a mark. His youthful aggression, left-arm pace, and wicket-taking ability gave India a much-needed variety in their bowling attack.
In the same year, he played against teams like West Indies, Australia, and Bangladesh, performing well in patches. His best ODI figures came against West Indies, where he took 3/13, showcasing his ability to destroy the middle order with swing and pace.
Although competition for spots in India’s pace attack increased, Khaleel continued to impress in domestic cricket and the IPL, keeping himself in contention for future international call-ups.
IPL Career
Khaleel Ahmed started his IPL journey with Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in 2016 but didn’t get a chance to play that season. He later joined Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in 2018, where he made his mark as a reliable young fast bowler.
During the 2019 IPL season, Khaleel emerged as one of the top Indian bowlers for SRH, finishing with 19 wickets in just 9 matches — a remarkable feat that made everyone take notice of his talent.
His fiery pace and ability to pick early wickets made him a go-to bowler for his team.
In 2022, Khaleel was bought by Delhi Capitals, where he continued to be an integral part of their bowling attack. Partnering with pacers like Anrich Nortje and Mukesh Kumar, Khaleel brought crucial breakthroughs with his left-arm variety and sharp swing.
In the 2024 IPL season, he was among Delhi’s most consistent bowlers, picking wickets with the new ball and maintaining tight lines in the powerplay.
Playing Style and Strengths
Khaleel Ahmed is known for his express pace, sharp in-swingers, and controlled aggression on the field. Being a left-arm fast bowler, he brings much-needed variation to any bowling attack.
He is especially effective in limited-overs formats, where his ability to bowl accurate yorkers and deceptive slower deliveries makes him a tough bowler to face in the death overs.
Key Strengths:
- Left-arm angle that troubles right-handed batsmen
- Consistent line and length in powerplay overs
- Natural pace and swing
- Aggressive and energetic body language
Personal Life
Khaleel Ahmed belongs to a simple and humble Muslim family from Tonk, Rajasthan. Despite his fame, he remains deeply connected to his roots. His father, Khursheed Ahmed, played a crucial role in shaping his discipline and work ethic.
Khaleel often shares pictures with his family and close friends on social media, showing his gratitude toward those who supported his cricket journey.
Off the field, Khaleel enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and listening to music. He is also known for his cheerful personality and positive energy in the dressing room.
As of 2025, Khaleel is unmarried and focused primarily on his cricket career.
Major Achievements
- Represented India in ODIs and T20Is (Debut in 2018)
- 19 wickets in 9 matches during IPL 2019 (for SRH)
- Consistent performer in domestic and A-level cricket
- Known for being one of India’s fastest left-arm pacers
- Represented India in U-19 Cricket World Cup 2016
Net Worth and Endorsements
As of 2025, Khaleel Ahmed’s estimated net worth is around ₹10–12 Crore.
His income sources include:
- BCCI match fees (for domestic and international matches)
- IPL contract with Delhi Capitals
- Brand endorsements (sports gear and lifestyle brands)
- Sponsorships and appearances in cricket events
He also owns a luxury car and a beautiful home in Rajasthan, reflecting his growing success as a professional athlete.
Future Prospects
Khaleel Ahmed continues to be one of the most promising left-arm pacers in Indian cricket. His ability to generate swing at high speeds makes him a strong contender for India’s white-ball teams.
If he maintains consistency and fitness, Khaleel could play a major role in India’s pace attack for upcoming T20 World Cups and ICC tournaments.
Conclusion
Khaleel Ahmed’s journey from a small-town boy in Tonk to an Indian international cricketer is a story of determination, discipline, and dreams coming true. With his natural pace, fiery spirit, and left-arm magic, Khaleel continues to make his mark in Indian cricket.
He stands as an inspiration for young cricketers from small towns — proving that with hard work and belief, anything is possible.
