Can't Wait To Be Called A Test Cricketer: Rashid Khan

Rashid Khan needs no introduction at all. One of the most sought after spinners in the world at the moment, the Afghanistan star has taken world cricket by storm. His leg-spins and googlies have made the world take notice of the war-ravaged nation which is making rapid rise in international cricket.

It is safe to say that Rashid is the poster boy of Afghanistan cricket. His breathtaking performances on the cricket field have received widespread praise. Earlier this year, he became the youngest male player to top the ICC rankings in any format. He also became the youngest captain in ODI cricket as he led Afghanistan to the title in the ICC World Cup qualifiers.

Not only that, he also became the quickest to take 100 ODI wickets, breaking Mitchell Starc’s record. His performance in the T20 leagues across the world is also phenomenal. But despite all this achievements so early in his career, the 19-year old is desperate to be known as “a Test cricketer”.

That dream will be fulfilled next month, when Afghanistan plays its maiden Test, against India at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium here. It was only in 2009 that Afghanistan played its first ODI, and in 2013 the nation received ICC Associate status. It has been a rise that would carve a special place in the cricketing folklores.

“It will be a big day for cricket in Afghanistan,” says Rashid. “I’m really waiting for it. I can’t wait to be called a Test cricketer. That means a lot to us. I don’t think there will be anyone back home not watching that game. People in Afghanistan are crazy about cricket.”

Rashid is a bit different from the conventional leg-spinners. Instead of using his wrist, the teenager uses his finger to turn the ball as well as bowling leg-breaks from the back of the hand. His pace is way more than other spinners. The pace and the variations has made it tougher for the batsmen to pick him up.

“I use the top of my fingers, that’s where I get the speed,” he said. “If I use my wrist, I will be slower. Nobody has taught me anything; it is all natural.”

The tweaker further spoke on the huge burden of expectations he plays under.

“Back home, they expect five wickets from me in every match,” Rashid said.

“If I don’t perform even in a single match, they ask, ‘What happened to you?’ There is a burden on me to do well because most of the matches I don’t do well in, we lose,” he added.