The story of KXIP new recruit Mujeeb Zadran will inspire you

Mujeeb Zadaran, the 16-year-old Afghanistan bowler was dropping bombshells on the Pakistan bowlers during the U19 Asia Cup’s opening game. A six-for for the 16-year-old teenager. Two and a half months later, Zadran was being chased by a couple of IPL franchise during the 2nd day of the auction.It was Delhi Daredevils and Kings XI Punjab fighting for the teenager. The base price set was 50 Lakh, Kings XI managed to sign the off-break bowler for 4 crores.

Earlier Rashid Khan and Mohammed Naib were the other two Afghani players who had played in the IPL. Why would one invest such a hefty amount for a spinner who is just 16? Well, the abilities which Zadran possess one has to say that the player is going to make a name for himself. From off-breaks to googlies, the mystery spinner has all the possible options under his belt.

Learned by hours of practice and by watching Youtube videos of Ashwin, Narine, and Mendis

Mujeeb Zadran lost his father when he was just 3 months old. Living with his maternal uncle, Zadran had a small ground at the house where he started bowling to his cousin. He learned the googly with a relative and honed the skill by spending hours on the small ground a home.

According to Zadran, he used to watch the videos of Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, Sri Lankan spinner Ajantha Mendis and Westindies’ Sunil Narine. He learned how to grip the ball and use the fingers through the youtube videos.

The yet-to-turn-17 boy made his international debut for the side on the back of his brilliant run in the Asia Cup. In the U19 World Cup, the spinner wracked havoc in the quarter-final against the host New Zealand, by picking 4 wickets. He is set to make his T20 international debut against Zimbabwe.

With all possibilities, the mystery spinner will make his IPL debut this season. The way things are moving for the teenager, he is set to continue demolishing the batsmen with his wrong’uns, googlies and the off-spinners.