If you ever get a chance to create a cricketer, how would you create it? You might try to add test match batting skills with a touch of stroke-making aroma, then add lots of mystery like arm ball,wrong-uns, slow ball, fastball without change in action, and perhaps agility like Jhonty Rhodes to fly and catch the ball; Rashid Khan is one such cricketer created with probably all the traits that one can possibly have and he is displaying all of them in IPL 2022.
He is the footballing version of box-to-box midfielders, someone who can defend, attack, and take penalties as well. Rashid Khan can do no wrong on the cricket field irrespective of pitch conditions.
He has excelled on decks famous for fast bowling, made his mark in swinging conditions, and played some memorable knocks on spin-friendly pitches.
He has excelled on decks famous for fast bowling, made his mark in swinging conditions, and played some memorable knocks on spin-friendly pitches. Is there anything that you can’t associate with Rashid Khan?
Born in war-torn Afghanistan, he lived in refugee camps in Peshawar(Pakistan), arguably the worst start anyone can hope for. Playing in Pakistan’s refugee camps, he grew up idolizing Shahid Afridi; like so many Pakistanis, developed a similar bowling action and practiced batting like him. An innocuous-looking, Rashid was famous even before he played test cricket, courtesy of his brilliant performances in franchise leagues across the world but he became a sensation in IPL.
And if you ever thought, Rashid Khan’s rise has stopped, he shines with different skillsets. Hardik Pandya might have been shocked to see the sixes from Rashid’s bat in the final overs against a very good bowler Jansen, but the rest weren’t. We are seeing a “once in a generation” cricketer; someone who can win you with either of his skills.
With Gujarat Titans at the summit with 16 points, they have literally qualified for the semi-finals of IPL Season 15 and it would be a privilege to watch this mystery leg-spinner spin his magic once more.
Aren’t the Gujaratis a master at getting the best imports? Well, nobody is complaining in fact wishing for a few more mystery overs and “throwing the entire kitchen sink” shots at the death.
With players like Rashid Khan, Rahul Tewatia and many more, Gujarat Titans have a chance to scoop the trophy in IPL Season 15.
Featured Image Credits: Instagram | @rashid.khan19
