IPL 2018: Zahir Khan Aims to Make a Strong Comeback in Next Edition

Afghanistan spinner Zahir Khan aims to make a stronger comeback in the next season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The 19-year old spinner was picked by the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the auction, earlier this year.

However, Zahir was unfortunate as he was ruled out due to a shoulder injury. Later, New Zealand spinner Ish Sodhi was named as his replacement.

Thus, the Afghan youngster had to miss out on making his IPL debut. Meanwhile, we notice the likes of Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman from Afghanistan leaving their mark in the ongoing edition of the cash-rich league.

Zahir aims to come back stronger.

Zahir injured his shoulder when he attempted to dive during the practice session.

Unfortunately, the injury forced him out for five to six weeks and thus the tournament.

However, Zahir was given assurance that he would have played a few games. But the destiny had other plans for him.

Zahir said while talking to Sportstar, “It is a big league, and everyone wants to play here. Even I had a dream of playing the IPL, so I was elated when Rajasthan Royals picked me. But then, this is how life is. 

The young spinner is aiming to make count in the next season

“I was doing well in the practice match and the coaches even told me that I would play a few games. But little did I know that a normal dive during a practice match would lead to such a grave shoulder injury. The doctor said that I won’t be able to play for five to six weeks. That was disappointing. My aim is to recover and hope for the best,” he maintained.

Both Warne and Rahane backed Zahir.

Zahir further added that both Shane Warne and Ajinkya Rahane motivated him while he was with the team.

The left-arm chinaman added that he hopes to join the same team in the next season.

The Afghan spinner went on add, “The coaches were good. I met (team mentor) Shane Warne also. Unfortunately, I had picked up the injury before he had joined the camp, so he could not watch me bowl. But he had seen my videos, and told me that I am a good bowler. He wished me a speedy recovery. Captain (Ajinkya) Rahane supported me a lot too. It was great to be with the boys. I hope to get selected next year”.

Zahir also added that he his eye set on his return. He wants to take his time to recuperate from the injury.

Furthermore, Zahir wants to be the part of the Afghanistan Test team against India if he recovers on time.

Zahir noted, “Test match is a big thing, and everyone wants to feature in it. Playing against India is a big deal. Even I want to play the Test and I am recovering from the injury. The trainers have also advised me to stay here for another couple of weeks and then it will be alright. Let’s see, if I can recover 100 percent, then I still have a chance. Even if I miss out on this one, we still have 14 Tests till 2022, so there will be chances. My only aim now is to recover fast. I have missed quite a few tournaments due to injury, so I need to bounce back first. I am feeling confident, hopefully, things will fall into place”.

Afghanistan spinner also opened on his camaraderie with the Royals players. He said that the dressing room atmosphere was friendly and he felt at home.

It was a perfect opportunity for Zahir Khan to learn from Shane Warne but he had to miss out due to injury. Khan hopes to be back with a bang in IPL’s next season.