IPL 2019: It is still pretty challenging to face Rashid Khan says David Warner

Hyderabad: There was a fair bit of criticism with regards to Keemo Paul’s inclusion in the Delhi Capitals’ playing XI. As picking the all-rounder put the leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane and left-arm pacer Trent Boult on the bench. However, Keemo answered the critics with match-defining bowling on a suitable track. The big boundaries in Hyderabad and a track that was slowing down helped the effectiveness of his slower deliveries and cutters.

Paul picked up the crucial wickets of Jonny Bairstow and Kane Williamson. He finished with the figures of 3/17 from his four overs which earned him the Player of the Match award. The West Indian bowled majority of his deliveries to David Warner who nearly batted through Sunrisers Hyderabad’s innings. Warner could only pick nine singles from the 11 balls he faced from Keemo. Warner was in all praises about the all-rounder’s effectiveness.

“He (Keemo Paul) bowled really well, credit to him. This was the first time I played against him. This probably the first time even our guys faced him. He is quite skilful what he does. He has got those little cutters and an odd yorker here and there,” said the Australian opener in the post-match press conference on Sunday.

However, Warner felt players might get used to Keemo Paul’s variations in future. The left-hander hoped to see the Delhi pacer get better and adapt to the plans. “I think when you play him a couple more times, you get used to certain things. I am sure he will adapt as well to the players against whom he comes up. I wish him all the best. Hope he will keep getting better,” he added.

He is still effective

David Warner took Rashid Khan as an example for a bowler who can be effective even after playing a lot against the same set of batsmen. The Afghanistan leg-spinner claimed 17 wickets in his first IPL season but had a couple of tough games at the start of the 2018 season. However, he bounced back strongly to finish with 21 wickets; the joint 2nd most by any player in the tournament.

Though Rashid picked up only six wickets from seven matches this season, he gave runs at an economy of 5.78 only. “When Rashid (Khan) first came on to the scene, he was very hard to pick. Look now, even after a few seasons, he is very very effective and very challenging to face,” says Warner.

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