What makes Rashid Khan's bowling technique so unique?

Growing up and taking sport is like a herculean task for anyone in a war-torn country where each passing day becomes a matter of survival and a never-ending risk of getting displaced. Born in Nangarhar, Afghanistan, Rashid Khan's story has been immensely inspirational and inspiring. Growing up with five brothers in such a challenging environment only made him a man of 'courage and resilience' with big dreams in his eyes. The habit of overcoming various adversities in a period of war strengthened the sheer determination of Khan to play cricket for the pride of the nation which may bring some happiness to people's faces even in times of despair.

Fascinatingly enough, during an interview, Rashid revealed that initially, he wanted to be a doctor rather than a cricketer as he was fairly good in his studies. However, instability led his family to take refuge in Pakistan due to safety concerns, where he found his solace in cricket. The result? Rashid Khan ended up idolizing the renowned Pakistan player Shahid Afridi, albeit, for his quick arm-actioned leg spin bowling and not for his explosive batting.

Hence, on his 26th birthday, let's have a look at how Rashid Khan evolved his bowling style as time slipped like sand, thereby unravelling the cricket journey of the talismanic Afghanistan legend. 

5)  Unique Release and Finger Grip style

After gaining some valuable experience in Pakistan by playing club cricket, Rashid Khan finally returned to Afghanistan when the war was over. Everything may have changed for the leg-spin wizard but one thing remained unchanged, the love and passion for cricket. Khan started honing his skills further by playing with his brothers which also gave him an excuse to escape the brutal realities and impact of war on a country. Gradually, he moved up the ranks in Afghanistan cricket and soon became famous for his bowling genius.

But he never left improvising on his bowling and kept experimenting and further refining his unique bowling style. Unlike most leg spinners, Rashid's grip is very identical to that of an off-spinner.  As a result, he can bowl quicker through the air. Moreover, to achieve better control and accuracy, the willy cricketer releases the ball through the fingertips instead of using his palm, which separates him from the rest of the leg spinners. When it comes to the release point, he uses his index finger differently by using it behind the seam while using the middle finger over the seam to achieve variations in spin to keep the batters guessing.