Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan has made a huge name for himself in the international circuit and with his all-round exploits, he has taken his name to a different level. It was nit before 25th May 2018 that Rashid Khan realized his talent as an all-rounder. It was when he walked out in the middle to bat against the Kolkata Knight Riders.
With 13 balls left in the innings, Sunrisers Hyderabad needed something special to lift them to a good total and Rashid Khan did exactly what the doctor had ordered for them. He remained unbeaten on 34 of 11 deliveries which included a couple of fours and 4 sixes. Many thought that being a leg spinner what he will do with the bat. However, what followed after that was some exceptional hitting from the all-rounder.
It was after that knock that everyone started believing in the batting abilities of Rashid Khan. Sunrisers Hyderabad went on to win the match by 14 runs courtesy all-round heroics from Rashid Khan. During an interview with the Cricbuzz, Rashid Khan revealed that he feels good to be called an all-rounder.
“It feels good to be called an all-rounder. I have been always working hard on my batting. When I came to the national side in 2016, I was telling Inzamam bhai(the then Afghanistan coach) that I was a proper batsman, but he was not believing that. I had that thing in my mind that I will work hard and I have the skill. I just need to be working hard on my batting. One day will come and I can be very handy for the team”
Rashid Khan further stated that he is happy to bat at any position in T20 cricket if he gets an opportunity to play his natural game. “I’m happy with any number. Wherever they send me, I just need to play my natural game and just express my skills and not think about the position a lot,” he said.
“When pressure comes, I always try to make a movie in my mind (anticipate positively) and release my pressure and make the best move for myself which makes me happy and helps me perform well.”
Rashid Khan is currently the No 1 ranked bowler in T20I cricket and is one of the most important players for the Sunrisers Hyderabad. Over the years he has evolved as an all-round cricketer and has become an asset for any team he plays for.