In the high-speed world of Indian fast bowling, where names like Bumrah and Shami dominate headlines, Avesh Khan has carved his own path with raw pace and unyielding determination. Hailing from Indore, a city better known for its pohe than pacers, Khan’s journey from the dusty grounds of Madhya Pradesh to the IPL’s grand stage is a story of grit, resilience, and unrelenting ambition. This is the saga of India’s most underrated speedster.
Early Life: The Boy from Indore
Born on December 13, 1996, in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, Avesh Khan’s childhood revolved around cricket. His father, a government clerk, and mother, a homemaker, scrimped to fund his training. Young Avesh honed his skills at the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) academy, often cycling 15 km daily for practice.
Key Early Struggles:
- 2012: Rejected for MP’s U-16 team due to “lack of pace,” later selected after a fiery 7-wicket club haul.
- 2014: Survived on ₹50/day allowance during U-19 camps, sharing meals with teammates.
- 2016: Broke into MP’s Ranji squad after topping the domestic U-23 bowling charts.
Domestic Career: Madhya Pradesh’s Pace Prodigy
Avesh’s domestic stats reflect his evolution from a raw talent to a consistent wicket-taker.
Domestic Stats (2014–2024)
| Tournament | Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy | Best Figures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranji Trophy | 45 | 178 | 23.45 | 3.10 | 8/45 vs Bengal |
| Vijay Hazare Trophy | 32 | 54 | 28.30 | 4.85 | 5/28 vs Karnataka |
| Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy | 38 | 62 | 19.75 | 7.45 | 4/14 vs Punjab |
Career Highlights:
- 2018–19 Ranji Trophy: Topped MP’s bowling charts with 35 wickets, including a match-winning 8/45 vs Bengal.
- 2022–23 Vijay Hazare: Led MP to finals with 18 wickets at 22.50 average.
- 2024 Syed Mushtaq Ali: Clocked 152.6 kph vs Mumbai – fastest delivery in tournament history.
IPL Journey: The Rollercoaster Ride
Avesh’s IPL career has been a mix of soaring highs and brutal lows.
IPL Career Stats (2017–2024)
| Season | Team | Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy | Best Figures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 0 | – | – | – | – |
| 2021 | Delhi Capitals | 16 | 24 | 18.75 | 7.50 | 3/15 vs MI |
| 2022 | Lucknow Super Giants | 13 | 18 | 22.33 | 8.20 | 4/24 vs GT |
| 2024 | Rajasthan Royals | 14 | 22 | 20.09 | 8.05 | 4/18 vs RCB |
2024 IPL Highlights:
- vs RCB, Jaipur: Dismissed Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis in a fiery opening spell.
- Death Overs: Took 12 wickets in overs 17–20, with a lethal yorker to Sam Curran (vs PBKS).
- Fielding: 9 catches, including a one-handed blinder to remove Shubman Gill.
IPL 2025: The ₹7 Crore Redemption
After a stellar 2024 season, Rajasthan Royals retained Avesh for ₹7 crore – a 133% raise from his 2022 salary.
IPL Salary Evolution
| Year | Team | Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | RCB | 10 lakh |
| 2021 | Delhi Capitals | 70 lakh |
| 2022 | Lucknow Super Giants | 3 crore |
| 2025 | Rajasthan Royals | 7 crore |
Net Worth & Endorsements: The Silent Earner
As of July 2024, Avesh Khan’s net worth is estimated at ₹18 crore ($2.2 million), driven by cricket contracts and strategic endorsements.
Net Worth Breakdown
| Source | Estimated Earnings (INR) |
|---|---|
| IPL Salary (2017–25) | ₹12 crore |
| Domestic Cricket | ₹3 crore |
| Endorsements | ₹2 crore |
| Investments | ₹1 crore (Indore real estate) |
Brand Partnerships:
- SG Cricket: Uses their Tornado bowling shoes and pads.
- JioCinema: Featured in IPL ads with the tagline “Speed Never Sleeps.”
- MP Tourism: Ambassador for “Khajuraho to Cricket” campaigns.
Personal Life: Grounded in Simplicity
Avesh married childhood friend Ruchi Sharma in 2022. The couple resides in Indore, where Avesh mentors young pacers at his alma mater.
Off the Field:
- Philanthropy: Funds cricket kits for 10 rural academies in MP.
- Hobbies: Avid chess player (rated 1600 on Chess.com), loves cooking poha.
- Education: Completed B.Com from Devi Ahilya University, Indore.
In a 2024 interview, he shared: “My father taught me – respect the ball like you respect life. Both can swing unexpectedly.”
International Career: India’s Underrated Weapon
Avesh’s T20I stats highlight his growing role in India’s pace battery.
International Stats (2021–2024)
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy | Best Figures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20Is | 19 | 25 | 23.80 | 8.10 | 4/18 vs Sri Lanka |
| ODIs | 5 | 7 | 34.28 | 5.50 | 3/42 vs South Africa |
Career Highlights:
- 2022 Asia Cup: Played a pivotal role in India’s title win with 6 wickets.
- 2024 T20 World Cup: Economical spells vs Australia (2/22) and England (1/19).
The Avesh Khan Method: Pace with Precision
Analysts credit his success to:
- Seam Position: Upright grip generating late swing.
- Yorker Mastery: 78% accuracy in death overs (IPL 2024 data).
- Fitness Regimen: Yoga and swimming to maintain 145+ kph speeds.
RR mentor Kumar Sangakkara notes: “Avesh’s work ethic is unmatched. He’s the silent assassin of our attack.”
Future Prospects: The 2027 Vision
Avesh’s goals are clear:
- Test Debut: Target 2025 England tour as India’s seam option.
- IPL 2025: Chase Purple Cap with 25+ wickets.
- Legacy: Establish MP’s first pace academy by 2027.
Why Avesh Khan Matters
In an era obsessed with express pace, Avesh embodies the art of controlled aggression. His journey from Indore’s maidans to India’s T20I squad isn’t just inspiring – it’s a roadmap for non-metro talents.
Final Word
Avesh Khan’s story is a testament to perseverance. Whether he’s rattling stumps at 150 kph, mentoring Indore’s kids, or perfecting his poha recipe, he carries the hopes of every small-town dreamer. As IPL 2025 dawns, the Indore Express isn’t just chasing wickets – he’s redefining what’s possible.
Cricket isn’t just a sport; it’s a playground for stories, and I’m here to tell them with humor, creativity, and a touch of flair. Whether it’s the thrill of an IPL last-over finish or the quirks of a rising star, my words bring the game alive for the next-gen audience. Like an unorthodox stroke that surprises the bowler, my take on cricket is anything but predictable. And if you ask what’s on my mind—well, cricket, always cricket! 🏏🔥
