Rashid Khan seems to be a great prospect for Afghanistan: David Warner

Rashid Khan was bought by the defending champions Sunrisers Hyderabad for INR 4 crores and was only the second Afghanistani player to get a contract in the cash-rich Indian Premier League. Rashid then became the first Afghanistan to play in the IPL as he made his debut against the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Southern Derby.

Later in the game, the Afghan again made history by becoming the first bowler from Afghanistan to take a wicket in the IPL. All this happened quite quickly for the 18-year-old. His captain David Warner heaped praised on him and so did Shane Watson.

The latter said that the inexperience led to his bad deliveries otherwise he is pretty deceptive in his action and turns the wrong one pretty much. The Afghan got two wickets in his debut game and as he dismissed Mandeep Singh and a dangerous looking Travis Head.

Watson said, “He bowled pretty nice. He has got a bit of deception and he turns the ball a bit with his wrong one. He still seems to be a bit inexperienced and that’s why he bowled a couple of bad balls. But he got two key wickets and that should give him a lot of confidence.”

David Warner was also positive of Rashid Khan. The winning captain was happy with the effort from the young leg-spinner who gave him two wickets. He said that anyone would be under pressure when you are playing at such a young age and that too for a team defending their title.

Warner said, “I haven’t seen much of him but who wouldn’t be nervous. Playing your first tournament for the defending champions and when there is a lot talk about you, there will always be some pressure. But he bowled well and picked vital wickets. As a spinner, you need to be creative and vary your pace on this Hyderabad wicket and I am sure he will learn and adapt.”

He further added, “He has the talent in him and he was fantastic. He seems to be a great prospect for Afghanistan cricket.”