'This is the reason he's such a wanted player by franchises' - Sunil Gavaskar extols Rashid Khan post Jaipur heroics

After a couple of disappointing losses against the Punjab Kings and the Lucknow Super Giants, Gujarat Titans needed someone to raise their hands against the soaring Rajasthan Royals, who were the only team which managed to remain undefeated in the ongoing season of the IPL.

Up stepped Rashid Khan, who delivered with both ball and bat, to script a famous victory for his side, winning the Player of the Match award for his all-round contribution of returning a miserly spell of 1/18 in his quota while taking the prized wicket of Jos Buttler who came into the match on the back of a majestic century. Later in the game, Rashid was seen delivering with the bat during the need of the hour, scoring a match-winning 24* off 11, getting his side past the finishing line in a last-ball thriller.

Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar hailed the Afghanistan international for going all guns blazing just when his team was in need of something special. Gavaskar even went on to add that the qualities which he brings to the table in terms of his on-field commitment, batting, bowling, and fielding, were the reasons why he had such an enormous demand from franchises all over the globe. The 74-year-old even complimented the superfluous efforts exerted by the star cricketer while diving around on the field, in light of bowlers nowadays being extra cautious while diving around the outfield considering the shoulder dislocations players face.

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“Yeah, he didn't hit the wickets like he usually does, but when he was needed with the bat, he came and delivered. This is the reason he's such a wanted player by franchises all around the world. They want him because they can see his commitment, batting, bowling, and fielding. Look at the way he gives everything while he's fielding. Bowlers sometimes can be a little concerned about diving on their bowling shoulder, because if they dislocate their shoulder, careers are in threat,” Gavaskar told Star Sports.

Gavaskar draws parallels between Rashid and Ben Stokes

Drawing parallels to the all-round brilliance of the Afghan all-rounder, the Mumbai-born went onto praise English all-rounder Ben Stokes. The cricketer-turned-commentator commended Stokes' commitment while on the field, stating that he never fails to provide anything less than complete effort on the field, which are exactly the breed of players captains and coaches want as a part of their team.

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“There's another cricketer who is not playing in this IPL but who's again similar - Ben Stokes. Anytime you see Ben Stokes batting, bowling, or fielding, he's a 100%, he gives it everything. And those are the cricketers that coaches and captains want, they might not always deliver but you know the percentage is not going to be anything less than a 100%,” he added.