Rashid Khan possess similar traits like Sachin Tendulkar, says Lalchand Rajput

Right after Afghanistan was granted the status of the Test team by the ICC, head coach Lalchand Rajput showered some appreciation on promising leg-spinner Rashid Khan. He compared the 18-year-old to the legendary Sachin Tendulkar and pointed out similarities.

On Rashid Khan:

Rashid Khan has been a massive breakthrough for the world of cricket and has the potential to become one of the very best in the world. He also proved his worth in his debut season in the Indian Premier League with stellar performances throughout the tournament. According to Rajput, the bowler is a gifted talent like Sachin Tendulkar and was destined to play cricket.

Speaking to PTI Rajput said “He (Rashid) is the new kid on the block. He has natural abilities. There are certain people who have got natural abilities, like Sachin (Tendulkar) who was born to rule cricket. This boy definitely will rule the bowling. He is one of the pillars of Afghanistan cricket,”

“He bowls with pace and batsmen find it difficult to pick him,” continued Rajput.

Rashid Khan’s IPL stint was marked by memorable performances and the bowler finished the season with 17 wickets from 14 matches. He was the second leading wicket taker for the Sunrisers after Indian speedster Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

Having said that, Rajput also asked Khan to always be hungry for more and not be satisfied with his success.

“Because such type of bowlers come and fade away also. A classic example is of Sri Lankan Ajantha Mendis. When he came on the scene nobody was able to pick him, but after a few years batsmen started reading him and he is nowhere now,” added Rajput.

According to the coach, it was a golden opportunity for Rashid to take part in the lucrative Indian Premier League at this young age and he must have got an idea about playing with the legends of the game.

On Afghanistan getting Test status:

Lalchand Rajput wasted no time in expressing his happiness on Afghanistan’s Test status achievement. “It is a great moment for all of us and that country. It is a great thing for the people of that country,” claimed Rajput.