IPL 2017: Rashid Khan, the mystery spinner from Afghan

The 19 year old Afghanistani sensation, Rashid Khan, has shown the cricketing world what immense talent he inculcates and why he is the next big thing in International cricket. Belonging to a nation where citizens have to combat terrorism and where cricket is at its seminal stages, Rashid Khan has already grabbed the attention of the cricket experts. The Afghan lad has launched himself into the race to be one of the finest spinners of the current age after persistent impressive performances at international level.

The T20 World Cup was the start of his dream journey and the chap has been incessant since then. In his 7 appearances in the world cup, the rookie picked 11 wickets at an impressive economy of 6.53 with the best bowling figures of 3/11 against Zimbabwe.His performances in the world cup were the seeds of his bright career ahead and the young boy has done exactly the same.

Despite being the associates , Afghanistan had been busy with a couple of series against Ireland, the Desert T20 challenge and a series against Zimbabwe where Rashid Khan continued to display his sublime form. In the series against Ireland in 2016, the young boy picked up 7 wickets in a 5 match series  at an impressive economy of 4.23. He also contributed with the bat down the order where he smashed 60 in 44 balls with  a 4 wicket haul in the same match. Despite being wicketless in the final match of the 5 match series, Rashid contributed to the team with a vital 40 in 32 balls.

Afghanistan then played the Desert T20 Challenge, a tournament for the non- test playing nations.Afghanistan emerged as the winners and the teen was also the one to contribute to their victory. His spells have not only been economical but also filled with the wicket column. His bowling performances were:

v/s Ireland: 2/22 (4)

v/s UAE : 2/12 (4)

v/s Namibia : 3/4 (2.2)

v/s Oman : 2/14(4)

v/s Ireland: 0/7 (2)

Afghanistan then toured Zimbabwe to play a 5 match ODI series. Rashid continued his consistency to take wickets as the spinner took 10 wickets with an economy of 4.07 in the series with the best figures of 3/25.The visitors won the series 3-2.The minnows then landed in India to play a 5 match ODI series and a 3 match T20 series against Ireland in Greater Noida. This was the dream series for the youngster where he spun a web to trap the Irish batsman. The leggie pocketed 16 wickets in the series and registered his career best spell of 6/43. His performances in the T20 series showed the same excellence as his picked 9 wickets in a 3 match series with the best bowling figures of 2-1-5-3.

His performances since last couple of years has honoured him with a place in the Sunrisers Hyderabad team in the IPL. SRH pocketed the quality youngster for 4 crores and this young talented has been astute to the franchise’s expectations.In the  three matches so far, Rashid has taken 6 wickets, conceding just 74 runs in 12 overs at an economy of 6.16. His best came against Gujarat Lions (3/19) and is all set to crown the purple cap.Playing in such a big league is an honorable achievement for a player belonging to a nation like Afghanistan. Joining him in the IPL is also his teammate Mohammad Nabi, who will play for the same franchise.

This is a “dream come true” for the young boy. He is the next big thing not only for the Afghanistan cricket but also for world cricket. IPL will hone his skills and nurture him so as to shape his cricketing career and bestow Afghanistan cricket with a polished diamond.