Rashid Khan follows fitness regime of a popular Indian star

In the ongoing Asia Cup, Afghanistan have topped their group, pounding both Sri Lanka and Bangladesh by hefty margins despite both the teams having loads of experience in limited-overs cricket in comparison to Afghanistan. In the last year and a half, Afghanistan have really proved their mettle by winning one series after another.

They defeated Zimbabwe 4-1 in the ODIs in the UAE followed by an inspirational come-from-behind win at the ICC World Cup Qualifier in Harare where they beat Windies in the final. These wins followed another triumph, this time over Bangladesh in Dehradun in a 3-match T20I series. 

Their key performer during their rise has been Rashid Khan, who has benefitted by playing in the IPL in the past couple of years. The leg-spinner has taken a leaf out of Virat Kohli’s books when it comes to fitness and that is rubbing off on the rest of the players in the Afghan side.

“All the players have their idols. They follow them. Maybe, Rashid’s fitness process follows Virat’s, because Virat is a very fit cricketer. Rashid knows that. And I think it helps a lot (the trickle-down effect); when you come back (from the T20 leagues) and doing the hard work, and your team mates are watching you. So it really, directly influences the others to follow you,” Afghanistan team manager, Hamkar said in a conversation with The Indian Express.

Afghanistan adopt Yo-Yo Test

In the modern-day game, fitness has proven to be the succinct difference between good players and great players. Afghanistan, like many other international sides including India, have introduced the yo-yo Test as a mandatory criterion for a player’s fitness and their tall scores will surprise many people. 

“Now, the minimum requirement has been raised to 17.3. But some guys, they are still improving. One or two guys we have are less than 17.3, but they are improving and will touch the mark before the World Cup,” Hamkar said, adding: “Some players have crossed 18,” conceded Hamkar.

After suffering a heart-breaking loss against Pakistan last night, Afghanistan will play Bangladesh doy in a game in Abu Dhabi which may end up to be a virtual knockout one.

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