Fast bowler Khalil Ahmed of the Delhi Capitals thinks that a fast bowler's fitness is what matters most. Ability is the backup plan.

The 26-year-old bowler stated, "I realized the importance of fitness when I was cut from Team India." 2019 saw Khalil participate in his final international game. Khalil comments that Pant has returned more mature, self-assured, and courageous than before.

Khaleel is one of the Indian Premier League's (IPL) top-5 wicket-takers in 2024. For Delhi, Khalil has claimed six wickets.

Question: You've been playing well in the domestic leagues and the Indian Premier League, but you haven't had much of an opportunity to play for Team India lately?

The reason I knew what I needed to do to develop and make a return was when I was cut from the Indian squad. How to take care of your body. I was depressed and unsure of how to improve as a bowler and rejoin Team India when I wasn't on the squad.

It's a different feeling to play for India in the blue shirt. You experience distinct pride. The significance of little things becomes apparent to you once you stop running. The same thing occurred to me as well; I really ground myself during that time.

How did you grow as a person after being let go?
In response, a fast bowler's body is his most valuable possession. Skills is the next best option after that. I've maintained my physical fitness. I exert a lot of physical strain on my body in an effort to improve as a fast bowler. I worked out with my trainer to get in shape so I could play for a long time. From the start, I was sure that if I played for a long time, good spells would come to me on their own. Playing makes you better. It's not always easy to take ten wickets; occasionally, you manage to take just one or none at all.

When I was playing and didn't get any wickets, I used to analyse how I could have bowled the ball more effectively. How do I get the swing down? How can I assist him? Every pitch has a particular ball behavior. Each batsman has a unique way of playing. Playing taught me all of these things. Using this knowledge, I concentrated on developing my bowling when I wasn't on the team. I worked on my abilities and physical health.

How many opportunities do Indian selectors see for themselves given how long they have been searching for a quality fast bowler?
Answer: I have always played with the mentality that I will give it my all, or 100 percent, in any match that I face, whether it be a practice or a domestic contest. I'm going to fully commit to this. You distance yourself from the present when you consider the future. I want to be present; that's my mindset. What positive action can I take now to improve my tomorrow? I've represented India in sports. It feels different when you're running with the ball and people are yelling India-India. I've experienced it. I want to experience that same emotion once more. I'll put forth the necessary effort to make that happen. I want to be a player for India. But it's not within your control.

Delhi Capitals' Khalil stated that Pant has grown up since then. Regarding his profession, he stated, "The pacer's fitness comes first. If he isn't with the team, leave."