I Didn't like Shane Warne Much During My Childhood Days, Kumble and Afridi Were My Inspirations: Rashid Khan

Afghanistan left-spinner Rashid Khan has been quite a sensation for his nation and any franchises he has played for in his career so far. He is a genuinely talented bowler who has been highly successful I the shorter versions of the game. However, in their debut Test against India, Rashid was found out wanting as the Indian bowlers played him pretty well. He hardly troubled any of the Indian batters. It was only after conceding 100 runs that he came on to his own and bagged his maiden Test wicket in the form of Ajinkya Rahane’s wicket.

Despite his ordinary performance in their debut test, there is no denying the fact that Rashid is a class act. He is a naturally gifted bowler who is a terror to the basement especially in the shorter versions. More often than not the batsmen have found it difficult to attack against him. He is a naturally quick bowler who is faster in the air. He is a bit of a mixture of an Ail Kumble and a Shahid Afridi who also used to bowl quickly.

Very recently during a show called “Breakfast with champions” anchored by Gaurav Kapoor, Rashid revealed that Afridi and Kumble were his inspirations while he was growing up. He mentioned the name of Shane Warne who is undoubtedly the greatest spinner of all time. However, he stated that he didn’t use to like Warne a lot because he used to bowl slow.

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“Shane Warne was a big spinner back then, but I didn’t like him much. Afridi and Kumble were my inspirations because they used to bowl quickly unlike Warne.,” Rashid said at the interview. Despite his words, there is no doubt about the fact that he needs to change certain things if he hopes to be a successful Test bowler.

In the interview, Rashid also revealed that he always have a gala time whenever he is with his family. He further added that even 5 6-year-olds in the family can bowl leg-spin. “ They can bowl the wrong un, leg spin whatever you ask,” Rashid quipped. It is certainly a big thing for a family to produce leg spinners from such a small age. It is one of the toughest arts in cricket and its indeed a good side not only for Rashid but for the whole of Afghanistan.

Here is the video