“I Couldn’t Believe It,” Says Rashid Khan After Hitting Jackpot In IPL 2017 Auction

Feb 21, 2017 at 1:05 PM

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“I Couldn’t Believe It,” Says Rashid Khan After Hitting Jackpot In IPL 2017 Auction

Afghanistan rookie leg-spinner Rashid Khan is delighted after he was bought by the Indian Premier League franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad for whooping INR 4 crore following the bidding with Mumbai Indians when his base price was INR 50 Lakh.

“My parents woke up early to watch the auction. I was still sleeping when they called me and told me to get up and watch because I was coming up,” Rashid was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.com

The 18-year-old Rashid became the second cricketer from Afghanistan in the 10th edition of cash-rich IPL after his teammate and all-rounder Mohammad Nabi was sold in 30 Lakh.

“I started to also watch it from here in Zimbabwe and I was really surprised, really happy and really excited when I saw what was happening,” Rashid added.

Rashid has played the significant role for Afghanistan since he emerged in the international circuit in 2015.

“I love pressure. Mentally, I get myself ready for pressure. That’s how I like to play,” Rashid further said.

The Nangarhar-born Rashid is currently in Zimbabwe where he is the part of five-match One-day International series.

“I couldn’t believe it actually, it happened very quickly,” Rashid said after bagging a lucrative contact.

Rashid had an impressive run in the Desert T20 championship in UAE where he picked nine wickets at an average of 6.55.

In the ongoing 50-over series in Zimbabwe, Rashid helped his side with the bowling – to lead the series by 2-0.

“Whenever I go home they have a celebration for me so I’m sure this time, they will do it as well,” Rashid remarked.

Earlier, the five Afghan players were named in the IPL Player’s Auction list 2017.

The quick learner was second highest wicket-taker for Afghanistan in the 2016 T20 World Cup after his teammate Mohammad Nabi.

“Our main target is to play Test cricket and all the guys are working very hard to get there,” Rashid expressed.

Interestingly, Rashid was picked over Number One Twenty20 bowler Imran Tahir, who went unsold twice in the auction.

According to the report, earlier Rashid decided to be the part of IPL auction following the suggestions from Insignia Sports, the management company for several international players.

“What makes me different is that I am a bit quicker for a legspinner. That is something that just came to me naturally, not something that I copied from anyone,” Rashid concluded.

In 2016-17 Bangladesh Premier League season, Rashid bagged 13 wickets at an average of 14.92 while finishing 11th on the bowling charts.

While playing a major role, Rashid was also the highest wicket-taker for Afghanistan in the Asia Cup last year.

In 21 T20Is, Rashid at an average of 16.06 bagged 31 wickets with an economy of 6.14.

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