IND vs AFG: Mujeeb Ur Rahman set to use the tricks learnt from Ashwin during the IPL

There is a lot of anticipation regarding the historic one-off Test match between India and Afghanistan which is set to commence on June 14. It will be the start of a new era for the visitors as they are making a debut in the whites after the ICC awarded them the Test status along with Ireland last year. Their spinners are being touted as a threat for the World number 1 side courtesy of the likes of Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman. However, the latter is set to use the tricks learnt from R Ashwin during the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) season.

Mujeeb played for the Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) under the leadership of Ashwin and featured in almost all the matches. His mystery spin bamboozled the best batsmen in the business and was one of the main reasons for his team starting the season on a high. He was the most economical bowler for his side and scalped 14 wickets in the 11 matches and conceded only 6.99 runs per over.

I spent a lot of time with him

Mujeeb Ur Rahman has made rapid strides at the international level and will pose threat to the Indians in the Test match along with Rashid. He is eager to unleash tricks learnt from his IPL captain Ashwin who has taught him a new ball. “I spent a lot of time with Ashwin at the nets and it was really helpful. He told me spots where to bowl. He has also taught me a new ball and I am trying to learn it. It is a carrom ball with an off-spin action,” he was quoted as saying by Times Now.

He also credited the exposure he got in the IPL and claimed that he is not at all nervous leading into the debut Test match. “I have played high-level cricket already so there is no fear going into the Test. Thanks to the IPL, I know how to handle pressure. I don’t fear playing against any opposition. It used to play on my mind but not anymore,” the 17-year-old added. Team India will have to play him out carefully during the Test match and hope that they will be able to unfurl his mystery soon.

[interaction id=”5b1e467fb4076b16cd1e9c97″]

Keep following CricTracker for more news and updates