Khaleel Ahmed
Role: Bowler
DOB: 05 December 1997
IPL Team (2026): Delhi Capitals
Base Price: Retained
IPL CAREER STATISTICS (Updated April 2026)
Batting & Fielding
| Year | Mat | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 50 | 4s | 6s | CT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | 86 | 16 | 9 | 35 | 10* | 5.00 | 43 | 81.39 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 14 |
| 2026 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2* | – | 2 | 100.00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 3.00 | 3 | 100.00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2024 | 12 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3* | – | 5 | 60.00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2023 | 9 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 3* | 4.00 | 4 | 100.00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2022 | 10 | 3 | 1 | 10 | 7 | 5.00 | 10 | 100.00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| 2021 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1* | – | 1 | 100.00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2020 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2* | – | 2 | 100.00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2019 | 11 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2* | 3.00 | 3 | 100.00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| 2018 | 9 | 4 | 2 | 7 | 10* | 3.50 | 13 | 53.84 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
Bowling
| Year | Mat | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | Avg | Econ | SR | 4W | 5W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | 86 | 1944 | 2876 | 105 | 3/21 | 27.39 | 8.88 | 18.51 | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 | 8 | 192 | 290 | 9 | 2/30 | 32.22 | 9.06 | 21.33 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 10 | 240 | 350 | 12 | 2/27 | 29.17 | 8.75 | 20.00 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | 12 | 288 | 410 | 15 | 3/32 | 27.33 | 8.54 | 19.20 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 9 | 252 | 398 | 9 | 2/28 | 44.22 | 9.47 | 28.00 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 10 | 240 | 329 | 16 | 3/25 | 20.56 | 8.22 | 15.00 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 7 | 150 | 226 | 8 | 3/35 | 28.25 | 9.04 | 18.75 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | 7 | 150 | 226 | 8 | 2/24 | 28.25 | 9.04 | 18.75 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 11 | 240 | 368 | 19 | 3/21 | 19.36 | 9.20 | 12.63 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 9 | 192 | 279 | 17 | 3/30 | 16.41 | 8.71 | 11.29 | 0 | 0 |
The Story of Khaleel Ahmed
Hailing from Tonk, Rajasthan, Khaleel Ahmed burst onto the IPL scene as a fiery left-arm fast-medium bowler, a rare commodity in Indian cricket. Born on December 5, 1997, Khaleel’s journey began in the domestic circuit, where his ability to swing the new ball and generate deceptive pace quickly caught the eye of national selectors and IPL scouts alike. Having played for India U19 and making his mark in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, it was clear he possessed the raw talent to succeed at the highest level.
His IPL breakthrough came with Sunrisers Hyderabad, who picked him up in the 2018 auction. Under the mentorship of bowling stalwarts like Bhuvneshwar Kumar and the strategic guidance of Tom Moody and Muttiah Muralitharan, Khaleel quickly found his rhythm. His debut season saw him pick up an impressive 17 wickets in just 9 matches, showcasing his knack for taking crucial wickets in the powerplay and middle overs. He followed this up with an even better 2019 season, bagging 19 wickets in 11 games, including a memorable 3/21 against Kolkata Knight Riders, where his swing and variations dismantled their top order.
Khaleel’s playing style is characterized by his natural left-arm angle, which creates discomfort for right-handed batsmen, and his ability to swing the ball both ways. He possesses a deceptive slower ball and a sharp bouncer, making him a versatile option across different phases of an innings. While he can be a touch expensive at times, his wicket-taking ability often outweighs the runs conceded, making him a high-impact player capable of turning matches on their head. His energy and aggression on the field also add a palpable intensity to his team’s bowling attack.
IPL Journey: Team by Team
Khaleel Ahmed’s IPL career has seen him don the colours of two prominent franchises, each stint defining different phases of his development. He began his journey with the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), who acquired him for INR 3 crore in the 2018 mega-auction. His initial years (2018-2019) were his most prolific, where he formed a potent new-ball partnership and became a key wicket-taker for the Orange Army. Despite a slight dip in form and opportunities in 2020 and 2021, he remained a valuable asset, often brought in for his specific skill set.
In the 2022 mega-auction, Khaleel was a hot commodity, eventually being snapped up by the Delhi Capitals (DC) for a substantial INR 5.25 crore. This move marked a new chapter, where he quickly established himself as a frontline bowler for DC, delivering a strong performance with 16 wickets in 10 matches in his first season with them. He continued to be a regular feature in 2023, though his wicket tally saw a dip. For the 2024 and 2025 seasons, he remained a crucial part of the Capitals’ pace attack, showing flashes of his best form and contributing with vital breakthroughs. By 2026, he is a retained member of the Delhi Capitals squad, a testament to his continued value as an experienced Indian left-arm pacer, bringing both wicket-taking prowess and a crucial left-arm variation to their bowling arsenal.
What Makes Them Special: Betting Perspective
Khaleel Ahmed is a fascinating prospect for bettors due to his high-impact, yet sometimes volatile, performances. His primary strength lies in his left-arm angle and ability to generate early swing, making him a prime candidate for “Player to take a wicket in the Powerplay” bets, especially against right-hand-heavy top orders. When the ball is new and conditions offer even a hint of swing, Khaleel can be lethal, often picking up multiple wickets in his initial spell. His best bowling figures of 3/21 underscore his potential for match-winning spells.
However, his aggressive style also comes with a higher risk of being expensive, particularly on flat pitches or against batsmen who target the left-arm pace. Bettors should be cautious with “Economy Rate” bets when Khaleel is bowling on small grounds or batting-friendly surfaces. His consistency metrics can fluctuate; he might have a few quiet games followed by a burst of wickets. Therefore, look for “Over/Under Wickets” bets when the pitch report suggests some assistance for pacers, or when he’s bowling against teams known to struggle against left-arm pace. Avoid betting against him in crucial death overs if he’s in good rhythm with his slower balls and yorkers, but be wary if he’s struggling for control. His “Man of the Match” odds can be tempting in low-scoring encounters where his early breakthroughs could prove decisive.
Key Records & Milestones
- One of the few Indian left-arm pacers to cross 100 IPL wickets, achieving the milestone in the 2026 season.
- His best IPL bowling figures of 3/21 came against Kolkata Knight Riders in 2019, showcasing his ability to dismantle top orders.
- Recorded his most successful IPL season in 2019 with Sunrisers Hyderabad, taking 19 wickets in just 11 matches at an impressive average of 19.36.
- Reached the 50-wicket mark in IPL in just 34 matches, highlighting his early career impact.
- A consistent wicket-taker in the Powerplay, often providing crucial early breakthroughs for his teams.
IPL Season Highlights
Khaleel Ahmed’s career has been punctuated by several standout seasons where he truly showcased his potential. His 2019 season with Sunrisers Hyderabad was arguably his most dominant. Playing 11 matches, he scalped 19 wickets at an excellent average of 19.36 and a strike rate of 12.63. His spell of 3/21 against KKR at Eden Gardens, where he dismissed Shubman Gill, Nitish Rana, and Robin Uthappa, was a masterclass in left-arm swing bowling, setting the tone for a crucial victory.
After moving to Delhi Capitals, Khaleel had another impactful season in 2022. He picked up 16 wickets from 10 matches, maintaining a strong average of 20.56 and an economy of 8.22. His 3/25 against Punjab Kings was a pivotal performance, helping DC restrict a strong batting line-up and secure a win. In the more recent 2024 season, Khaleel demonstrated a resurgence, bagging 15 wickets in 12 games for the Delhi Capitals. His spell of 3/32 against Rajasthan Royals, where he removed key middle-order batsmen, was crucial in a tight contest, proving his enduring value as a wicket-taking option for his franchise.