Rashid Khan credits Muralitharan for his exceptional run in IPL

It has been a sensational month or so for Afghan teenage leggie Rashid Khan who has made headlines with his impressive performance in the season so far. Along with Bhuvneshwar Kumar, he has been the go-to bowler for David Warner and he hasn’t disappointed him. He has already bagged 11 wickets in 8 matches and is in contention for the purple cap.

On times he has gone for runs but his wicket taking abilities have set him apart from the rest. Even in their previous encounter against the Kings XI Punjab, he was the most miserly bowler conceding only 16 runs in his 4 overs. After Hyderabad posted a daunting 207 on the board, Punjab looked in the hunt but it was Rashid’s spell of 1/16 which derailed their progress and handed the defending champions a comprehensive victory by 26 runs.

The youngster though was pretty humble and thanked all of those who helped him during his journey. “Actually, most of the pitches in Asia are good for spinners. I have been working a lot with my coaches, especially Muttiah Muralitharan. He is the best spinner in the world. He has been helping and giving me all the confidence to just go out there and give my best,” Rashid was quoted as saying by Times of India.

Among the 11 wickets he has scalped in this season so far, Rashid conceded his maiden wicket that of Brendon McCullum was his most special one. “Taking the wicket of McCullum gave me plenty of joy,” he quipped. He also added that he is getting full support and backing from his country Afghanistan and each and every IPL match is watched with immense intensity and passion there.

“The whole of Afghanistan is watching this league. The way our country is supporting Mohammed Nabi and me, it is just unbelievable,” he signed off. Rubbing shoulders with some of the greatest in the game will definitely help the Afghan duo of Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi which might help Afghanistan cricket in the longer run.