Afghanistan leggie Rashid Khan keen to make it count in the IPL

Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan is looking forward to make an impression in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League. Khan, who was picked up by defending champions Sunrisers Hyderabad, took the cricketing fraternity by surprise in this year’s auction. Following former Afghan skipper Mohammad Nabi, Khan became the second player from the nation to make it into the cash-rich tournament.

Khan started his journey in the war-torn nation of Afghanistan, playing tennis ball cricket in the streets. Nevertheless, since he made his appearance in the national squad, it’s been only uphill for the youngster.

The 18-year-old is now being dubbed the ‘million dollar’ baby by his teammates, as the Sunrisers shelled out Rs. 4 crore to acquire his services. Khan was confident of his abilities and backed himself to perform well in the IPL. “I don’t have any pressure as far as the price tag is concerned. I just want to go and give my 100 percent. The way I am playing for my country, I will deliver the same way in the IPL for Sunrisers Hyderabad and want to see my IPL team winning this season again,” he said.

The youngster is very eager to rub shoulders with stalwarts like Yuvraj Singh, David Warner and Kane Williamson. He is also very excited to meet his coaches VVS Laxman, Tom Moody and the king of spin Muralidharan.

Khan has a reputation to fox batsman with his variations, such as the googly and the quicker delivery. He has a knack of picking up wickets, and has proved himself in the series against Ireland held in Greater Noida. Khan was the pick of the bowlers in both the one-dayers as well as the T20Is against the Irish with a total of 25 wickets across 8 games in both formats.

The leggie will also take guidance from his senior and former captain Mohammad Nabi, who has been an inspiration to Afghan cricket. Nabi, who also features in the Sunrisers squad, has backed the youngster Rashid Khan throughout his spells and Khan heaps praises for the veteran.

“I am aware of Indian conditions. My senior Mohammed Nabi will be with me. He taught me a lot of things as he has played more cricket than me. His tips during my spell are always valuable,” Khan said.

The Sunrisers will go head to head against last year’s finalists Royal Challengers Bangalore in the opener in this year’s IPL. Khan will look to get the big fish out early, as he eyes the prized wicket of AB de Villiers.