I have started working harder ever since the IPL auction: Rashid Khan

Eighteen-year-old Afghanistan sensation Rashid Khan is very excited about his IPL debut, after being brought by the Sunrisers Hyderabad. But he is more excited about sharing the dressing room with his childhood hero Yuvraj Singh.

The last three months have been a roller-coaster for the leggie, who alongside senior teammate Mohammad Nabi, became the first among the Afghan players to be bought by an IPL franchise during last month’s auction.

“A lot has happened over the last three months. It has been enjoyable,” Rashid told PTI. He expressed the feeling he has about sharing the dressing room with likes of Yuvraj, David Warner, Shikhar Dhawan and Kane Williamson.

“IPL is the biggest league in the world, much bigger than playing associate cricket. I have started working harder ever since the IPL auction. It feels unreal that I will be sharing the dressing room with the players, I have grown up watching on television,” he gushed.

He further singled out Yuvraj as his hero and reckoned the southpaw’s aggressive batting style. “I have been a huge Yuvraj fan since childhood. I really like his aggressive style. Hopefully, I will get to spend time with him and get an insight into his cricketing knowledge.”

Earlier this month, Rashid and Nabi claimed another first after being snapped up in the CPL auction, for USD 60,000 and 90,000 respectively. Hours before this, Rashid had picked up five wickets in nine balls in a T20 against Ireland at the Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground. And just a week later, he returned with figures of 6 for 43 in an ODI against the same opponents.

Known to puzzle the batsmen with his quicker ones and googly, Rashid has modelled himself on Pakistan star Shahid Afridi. And his favourite Indian player, along with Yuvi is none other than MS Dhoni.