IPL 2018: Harsha Bhogle Picks Rashid Khan As His Player Of The Tournament

Ace commentator Harsha Bhogle, on Monday (May 28), named Sunrisers Hyderabad star Rashid Khan as his player of the tournament for the just-concluded Indian Premier League.

The Sunrisers exercised their Right to Match card in this year’a auction after the bidding for the spinner went to Rs 9 crore to secure his services. And it is safe to say that the  19-year old has repaid every penny. He was one of the main reasons behind Sunrisers’ stunning performance this season.

One of his best performances of the season came against Kolkata Knight Riders in the second Qualifier. He impressed in every department as he almost single-handedly took his team in the final.

When Rashid walked in to bat, his team was reeling on 124 for five in 16.5 overs. Even the 150-run mark was looking like a distant dream at that time. But what followed after that left the jam-packed Eden Gardens shell-shocked.

Rashid faced just ten balls to blow away the Knight Riders’ bowlers with a sizzling batting display. The leg-spinner Rashid started his innings with a four that flew over the wicketkeeper. It was a typical tail-ender shot but was absolutely not the precursor of the things that were to follow.

In the next nine balls, he hit one four and four brilliantly timed-sixes to fire the Sunrisers to 174 for seven in the allotted 20 overs. The leg-spinner struck 34 off just ten deliveries.

He was not done yet, as he made even a bigger impact in the second innings, as he single-handedly eliminated the Knight Riders. The leg-spinner picked up three wickets, effected a match-turning run-out and took the catch to take his team in the final.

However, the tournament did not end on a good note for him as Chennai Super Kings beat the Sunrisers in the title decider on Sunday. Rashid once again made his mark with the ball, conceding just 24 runs off his 4 overs but just could not inspire his team to another win.

He finished the tournament with 21 wickets which is the most by any spinner this season. His 21-wicket tally is also the most by any leg-spinner in the IPL.  And while he did not scoop any top prize in the post match ceremony, it did not stop Harsha Bhogle from naming him as his player of the series. The renowned commentator took to Twitter to reveal his pick, writing:

“Good night. #IPL2018 was wonderful. My player of the tournament was @rashidkhan_19.”

Good night. #IPL2018 was wonderful. My player of the tournament was @rashidkhan_19.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) May 27, 2018