IPL 10: Would have loved to meet Jadeja and Sunil Narine, says Rashid Khan

Afghanistan leggie Rashid Khan has undoubtedly been the most successful young bowler in the ongoing edition of the IPL. The 18-year old bowler has made a mark for himself in the tournament in his very first outing at the T20 league. He has his action modeled around the former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi. The action seems to be reaping him rich dividends thus far.

Recently, in a conversation with The Telegraph, Rashid Khan spoke at length about the various propositions he has had in the tournament thus far. Also, he spoke about the players he idolizes and the ones he would want to meet in the coming days. He revealed that his two favorite bowlers are Shahid Afridi and Anil Kumble. Needless to say, he picked two of the legends of the game there.

“You know I idolize Afridi and also Anil Kumble. The two are my favorites. I agree my bowling action is a bit like Afridi’s. See, frankly speaking, I find that kind of action to be more suitable for me. It also helps in bowling the googly. As of now, it seems to be working. And I hope it continues,” quoted Rashid Khan.

In the Sunrisers Hyderabad camp, the youngster is in safe hands when it comes to the spin bowling department. He has Muttiah Muralitharan as the bowling coach. The spin bowling wizard from Sri Lanka needs no introduction. Rashid revealed that the influence Murali is having on him is immense. He remarked that the bowling coach has helped him evolve more as a player.

Also read | Indian government plan to make a documentary film on Rashid and Mohammad Nabi

“Of course, Murali Sir’s presence in the squad is vital for me. I don’t need to say anything, you can very well understand looking at the experience he has having played for so many years and with so much success. Yes, he tells me about the technical aspects of spin bowling, but I think his tips on reading match situations, how to cope with pressure are no less important. I’m trying my best to execute what he says,” said the leggie.

Speaking about the players he would want to meet, Rashid Khan took the names of Ravindra Jadeja and Sunil Narine. He rued the fact that he has not quite been able to catch up with them because of the busy traveling schedules the teams have had this season. He also revealed that he had started off as a batsman and soon had his inclination towards leg spin grow with time.

“Unfortunately, there’s hardly any time to meet them. There’s very little time between matches, while we have to travel a lot as well. But yes, on getting an opportunity, I would really like to talk to these players and learn from them. Look, batting is something that I do take seriously. During my early days when I had just started playing cricket, I used to be a batsman. But gradually, I got inclined towards leg-spin,” he quoted.

Lastly, he spoke about the chances of SRH in the tournament. The SRH camp needs to win their last game to make it to the playoffs. Rashid Khan believes that if the team reaches the playoffs, then they will surely defend their title this season.

“Now, if my team needs me, I have to contribute with the bat too. But in the Sunrisers side, there are many who can do the job with the bat. We have to win our next game and confirm ourselves a play-offs. If we make the last four, I do believe we have the ammunition to defend our title from thereon,” Rashid conceded.