Afghanistan sensation Mujeeb Ur Rahman explains the importance of cricket

As of 2018, Mujeeb Ur Rahman is the newest entrant on the block as far as Afghanistan cricket is concerned. Having been one of four Afghans to go under the hammer in the 2018 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction, he has impressed and delivered for the Kings XI Punjab.

However, while the 17-year old’s performances have dazzled many in recent times, he has been one of Afghanistan’s best bowlers in the shortest format. Having been drafted into the side for the Bangladesh series, it would seem as though Mujeeb has come of age. The recently-concluded series in Dehradun against Bangladesh has proved that the youngster is indeed one for the big stage.

Bowling seemingly came naturally

Speaking about his bowling prowess, Mujeeb stated that he used to bowl to his uncle and now uses every opportunity possible to bowl at internationally acclaimed players.  “I used to bowl to my uncle from a very young age. And I bowled with a mindset that I was already playing at the international level. Right from the beginning, I got a chance to bowl to international players,” Mujeeb said.

When asked how difficult it was to communicate with Afghanistan bowling coach Charl Langveldt, he said that he did indeed bank on his cricketing knowledge and it did not matter if he spoke English or not. He also added that he watched Ajantha Mendis and Ravi Ashwin to learn spin bowling.“I bank on my cricketing knowledge. I understand what is being told to me, the language doesn’t matter. I understand cricketing stuff.”

“I watched Ajantha Mendis, Sunil Narine and Ravichandran Ashwin bowling different type of balls. That fascinated me. I kept watching the videos and grew with it,” Mujeeb reveals.

“I observed his footwork very minutely. I drew him forward and exposed the gap.”

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