Fast bowler Avesh Khan has identified consistency as the single biggest obstacle standing between him and an India comeback, speaking candidly about his journey back into national reckoning on 24 June. The 29-year-old, who represents Madhya Pradesh in domestic cricket and the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the IPL, acknowledged he is currently outside the national setup but remains resolute about earning his way back.

The Consistency Imperative

'The biggest challenge is consistency,' Avesh said when asked to describe the hurdle between representing India and working to return. 'If you are performing consistently, then you will stay in the team,' he added, distilling his philosophy into a single, unambiguous principle.

While many players cite confidence or competition as their primary challenge, Avesh's focus on consistency reflects a clear-eyed understanding of what the Indian pace attack demands. India's fast-bowling reserves are deeper than at any point in recent memory, with multiple pacers competing for limited spots across all three formats.

The Domestic Roadmap

Rather than dwelling on what lies beyond his control, Avesh has mapped out a concrete path back. 'I am not a part of the team yet. So, I will try to do well in the Ranji Trophy season or the domestic season,' he said. His immediate priority is completing the Madhya Pradesh Premier League (MPL) campaign strongly before redirecting his energy toward fitness and bowling ahead of the domestic season.

'I win matches for my team. So that I come back to the place where I deserve myself,' he stated, underscoring that his motivation is performance-driven rather than selection-driven.

Opportunity in the T20 Challenge

Avesh acknowledged that modern T20 cricket is an increasingly hostile environment for bowlers, with power-hitters, flat pitches, and aggressive batting tactics raising the degree of difficulty. Yet he frames this not as a threat but as an opening. 'T20 is a little tough for fast bowlers and bowlers. But I think there is an opportunity in it that you can do well. And if you develop new balls as a fast bowler, as a spinner, then you will be successful,' he said.

Continuous skill development, he argued, is non-negotiable for survival in the modern game. 'I always look for opportunities to do well. And I always think that I will dominate him as a bowler,' he added, reflecting a mindset centred on proactive evolution rather than reactive adjustment.

LSG Culture and the IPL as a Learning Ground

Avesh also spoke warmly about his experience at Lucknow Super Giants, a franchise he has represented across multiple IPL seasons. Despite two disappointing campaign results, he credited the dressing room environment for keeping spirits high. 'The last two years, the results have not been in our favour. But we have always been together as a team. And we always think about where we are and try to improve it,' he said.

He singled out the role of coaches and captains in maintaining a healthy team culture. 'Our coaches, our captains, they always keep the environment good. So that it does not affect the team and does not affect the mentality of the players,' he noted.

Playing alongside experienced and young players in franchise cricket and domestic leagues, Avesh said, has been invaluable. 'You get to learn a lot of new things, so it feels good,' he remarked, adding that his prior India appearances serve as a constant motivator. 'I have also played for India. And playing in the IPL or any league always feels like a motivation,' he said.

What Comes Next

Avesh's path back to the India jersey runs through the domestic circuit. With the Ranji Trophy season on the horizon, consistent wicket-taking performances for Madhya Pradesh will be his primary audition. India's selection panel has historically rewarded prolific domestic performers, and Avesh appears acutely aware of that dynamic. The Indian dream, as he put it, remains alive — and the roadmap is clear.