Zaheer Bhai's advice made me a better bowler: Khaleel Ahmed

India left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed praised his idol and mentor Zaheer Khan for helping him become a better bowler.

Khaleel, who recently made his India debut during the Asia Cup in United Arab Emirates, spent two seasons with Zaheer during his time with the Delhi Daredevils in the Indian Premier League. And according to him, the Mumbaikar's tips during the IPL, helped him grow as a bowler.

"I think I became a better bowler with his (Zaheer's) advice," the 20-year-old from Rajasthan's Tonk said.

"I have spent a lot of time with Zaheer bhai during my two-year stint at the Delhi Daredevils. We played in different conditions during IPL and he always kept discussing on how to bowl on different surfaces," he added.

Khaleel impressed everyone during the Asia Cup campaign with his ability to swing the ball at a fair pace and trouble the batsmen. With him standing out being a left-armer in a mainly right-handed pace bowling set up, Khaleel is eyeing a spot in the World Cup next year in England and Wales.

He wants to bowl fast and get as many wickets as he can against the West Indies to push for a place in the side.

"It's a good preparation for me for the World Cup. I want to take as many wickets as I can in the ODIs leading up to the World Cup. It will also boost my confidence and I will be under less pressure, if I am picked for the World Cup," Khaleel said ahead of India's first ODI against West Indies on Sunday.

Ahead of his second international assignment, Khaleel also recalled how nervous he was before his debut against Hong Kong, in which he recorded impressive figures of 3 for 48.

"I was very nervous (for my debut) as my first tournament happened to be a big tournament like the Asia Cup. There was pressure. But after doing well on debut, I felt I could go further," Khaleel said after the net session at Assam Cricket Association's Barsapra Stadium.

However, Khaleel praised the senior members of the squad and said that the seniors have never made him feel like a newcomer.

"I never have a feel that I'm a junior in the side. Seniors support me well. Everyone keeps talking to me and boost my confidence," he said of the good camaraderie in the side.