Afghanistan vice-captain Rashid Khan focuses on performing well for the Test side

The Indian Premier League has not only helped the sides to lock in good young Indian talents in their squad, but also give an opportunity for the young overseas players to get recognition around the world. It is certainly what the tournament has done to the Afghanistan vice-captain Rashid Khan, with his googlies getting the acknowledgement that it deserves at the top level.

A dream that is expected to soon turn into reality with the International Cricket Council (IPL) set to give the Tigers’ a test status with the Tigers’ peaking in at the right time. Rashid has been in top form in the IPL representing the defending champions Sunrisers Hyderabad, he was in the thick of wickets right from the start and thus in contention for the Purple Cap as well.

“Any cricketer has one ultimate dream. To do well in Test cricket for his country. By the grace of Almighty, we would soon be playing Test cricket. I am just waiting for that day when I will be playing Test cricket for Afghanistan. For me, success in Test cricket will define me as a cricketer,” the soft-spoken Rashid told PTI during an interaction.

He has had a fantastic debut season picking up 12 wickets in as many games. A Man of the Match award against the Kings XI Punjab was like the icing on the cake for the leggie after the Sunrisers bought him for 4.5 crores in the IPL Auction.

“It’s been like a dream for me. Playing in the IPL with so many stalwarts. More importantly being able to hold my own and perform for the team. Our coach Tom Moody has been constantly telling me that self-belief is key to success. I have always had faith in my abilities and it’s paying off,” the 19-year-old, who has played 26 ODIs and 24 T20 Internationals for his country said.

Further, the leggie mentions that the dismissals of three batsmen were the best for him in the IPL, “David Miller would be top in my list followed by Brendon McCullum and Rohit Sharma. All three were foxed by googlies and are the best in the business,” he stated.

He also mentioned that the advice that the Sunrisers captain David Warner has given him is the best till date for the leggie. “Warner told me that I will always be a dangerous bowler because of my high-arm action. This is something natural and he believes that it will continue to give me success,” said Rashid.

Afghanistan, an associate nation has played most of its cricket coming against the fellow associate nations like Ireland, hoping for a change in the future for the Tigers.

“Right after IPL, Afghanistan will be playing West Indies in a series. From here, I would be leaving for the Caribbean islands to play a limited overs with three T20 matches. Playing T20 Internationals in Caribbean will be an experience,” he said.

The Afghani leggie is hopeful that many a T20 side pick him in their respective leagues which would give him a lot of confidence and experience from the leagues.

“I haven’t got any offers from any other T20 franchises but hopefully I will be able to play tournaments like Big Bash and Natwest T20 Blast. It will only help me improve my game,” he said.

The stardom has yet not sunk in for the leggie, he is getting a lot of appreciation on the social media, which gives him loads of confidence to perform well on a consistent basis.

“I have not been back home for four months. Musafir ki tarah zindagi hai (Leading a nomadic life). I have been living out of suitcase, playing at Greater Noida (vs Ireland) and then in Zimbabwe and now IPL. People in my country are happy. I get a lot of positive feedback from people of Afghanistan which makes me feel good.”

Rashid is down to earth even after his huge signing in the IPL. Despite his age, the leg-spinner wants to utilise the money he gets by discussing with his family.

“Allah ka diya sab kuch hai humare paas. Ghar bhi aur car bhi (By God’s grace I have a house and a car). Once I go back home, I will discuss with my family as to how to utilise the money,” he concluded.