'Sign Language': Avesh Khan Reveals How He Along With Rishabh Pant Used To Trick Batsmen In IPL 2021

Delhi Capitals' Avesh Khan was one of the top bowlers in IPL 2021 and his exploits made sure he was on the plane to England with the Indian team for the upcoming tour. 

One of the reasons for his success in this season was his accuracy and variations with which he bowled. 

While speaking to Indian Express, Avesh Khan revealed that he along with his captain Rishabh Pant used sign language to indicate which ball to bowl. 

“When I was about to start my bowling run-up, I used to look at Pant. At that moment the batsman is watching only me, and not anyone else. So if Pant wants me to bowl a yorker, we have a sign for it. If he wants me to bowl wide outside off, I will know by his sign,” said the DC bowler. 

Avesh Khan brought up MS Dhoni's dismissal as an example where Pant kept the fielder inside the circle since he knew the CSK captain hadn't played for a while which will make it difficult for him to hit. 

“Only a few overs were left and Pant knew that Dhoni will try to hit out. But he also knew that Dhoni is playing after a gap of four months and it won’t be easy for him. Pant told me to bowl just short of a length. I did just that, Dhoni tried to hit, but got an inside edge and was bowled.”

Khan took 14 wickets in eight games he played at an average of 16.50 and gave runs at 7.70 per over.