Rashid Khan has turned heads with his performance in the IPL and also for the Afghanistan national side. He, however, wants to STAY GROUNDED and focus on his game. During a visit to Greater Noida — which is the ‘home’ base for the Afghanistan cricket team — Rashid spoke exclusively to SHAYAN ACHARYA on the road ahead.
A couple of seasons ago, a rookie spinner made it to the Afghanistan national side. Not many thought he would go too far. But in a short time, Rashid Khan has showed his skills on the cricket field and has firmly established his credential as a youth icon in Afghanistan.
While he has been consistent for the national side, Rashid, 19, has also been one of the star discoveries of the Indian Premier League (IPL). His performances for Sunrisers Hyderabad last season made him a household name. His effort paved the way for lucrative contracts in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), the Big Bash League and the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
With fame and money coming his way, Rashid, however, wants to stay grounded and focus on his game. During a visit to Greater Noida — which is the ‘home’ base for the Afghanistan cricket team — Rashid spoke exclusively to Sportstar on the road ahead.
Question: Ever since your debut in 2015, you have become a talking point in the cricketing circles. What has been the secret of your success?
Answer: The last few years have been wonderful. Since making it to the Afghanistan side, I went on to play the World T20. Then there was the IPL. So, overall, the last three years have been a great experience. And as far as success is concerned, I think self belief has played a key role. It would, however, not have been possible without the support of my family and coaches. During the U-19 days, my coach, Dawlat Ahmadzai, had supported me immensely. He gave me the confidence and that was important to keep my morale high while entering the international arena.
So far, the focus has only been on limited overs cricket. Now with Afghanistan attaining Test status, how will you try to mould yourself for the longer version of the game?
This story is from the October 28, 2017 edition of Sportstar.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 28, 2017 edition of Sportstar.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Tokyo Marathon Cancelled For Amateurs On Coronavirus Fears
Organisers in Japan cancelled the amateur portion of the Tokyo marathon, affecting around 38,000 runners, on fears about the spread of the new coronavirus in Japan.
Right Criteria To Pick The Tennis GOAT
What should the criteria be? What weight should be attached to each criterion? And what should not be considered as valid criteria?
The making of a batting behemoth
If Steve Smith dominated the Ashes in England in a dramatic, blockbuster fashion then his like for like a replacement, Marnus Labuschagne, is the Next Big Thing after an exciting summer of run-glut.
WHEN ACES WERE REWARDED...
It was an evening of nostalgia and celebration when the Sportstar Aces awards were given away in Mumbai.
A question of recognition
After a week of awards, one wonders if it’s only a departed player that one will be named after.
Thinking straight, thinking right!
“A lot depends on when I am bowling and what is required from me. That’s something I do when I play for India and I try to follow the same thing in the domestic circuit,” says Yuzvendra Chahal.
The Big Three and the Next Gen
Though the Big Three are very unlikely to retire during the same year, Judy Murray, mother of Andy, echoed the sentiments of many fans worried about the impact of their departures.
WAKING UP TO MENTAL HEALTH
Sport at large and cricket specifically has taken an inordinately long time to address the elephant in the room — the dark abyss of depression.
Like sunshine in a gloomy dressing room
Bangladesh quick Abu Jayed Rahi is new in the red-ball arena, but his swing brings back old memories — of James Anderson on green tops.
The league of the masses
With traditional clubs locking horns with the hard-working nurseries of the game, the I-League will continue to keep the beating heart of Indian football alive despite official apathy.
