IPL 2018: Rashid Khan Cherishes KL Rahul's Wicket, Terms Latter as a 'Class Player'

Rashid Khan proved his worth gold once again on Thursday (April 26) against visiting side Kings XI Punjab (KXIP). The Afghanistan star’s reputation had taken a beating after he was taken to cleaners by KXIP’s batters and Chenna Super Kings’ respectively in previous outings.

He conceded 55 runs against Punjab, including the four consecutive sixes which Chris Gayle hit off his bowling. His fortune did not change against Super Kings too as he ended up conceding 49 runs.

However, the leg-spinner bounced back in style in the very next against defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI). He bagged the Man of the Match award for his stunning figures of 4-1-11-2. His scalps were Krunal Pandya and Keiron Pollard which derailed Mumbai’s chase.

Rashid’s spell was crucial in Hyderabad’s stunning 31-run win. The Kane Williamson-led side was defending only 118 but they did it quite comfortably in the end, bowling out Mumbai for a paltry total of 87.

On Thursday, Rashid once again played an integral role as Sunrisers Hyderabad defended a modest total of 132 against high-flying Mohali-based outfit.

Kings XI were looking around to register an easy win when Chris Gayle and KL Rahul added 55 runs for the first wicket. Rashid then provided the first breakthrough, dismissing KL Rahul to trigger a collapse. He went on to finish the game with stunning figures of three for 19 off his four overs.

Speaking after the match, he admitted that bouncing back after two tough games proved to be tough. He further lavished praise on KL Rahul, calling him a prominent player.

“It was tough to come back after those two bad games (against CSK and KXIP). It’s a part of cricket, the team support was amazing, they just told me to go there and enjoy myself. I don’t know (about the plan to bowl him after the powerplay), it’s up to the skipper, whenever he wanted me to bowl, I was ready. Getting KL’s wicket was great, he’s a class player, one of my favourites, the plan was to bowl wicket-to-wicket, mix up my lengths. It gives a lot of confidence defending small totals, with our bowling – we can defend any total, the guys did a wonderful job in the last two games,” Rashid said.

Rashid Khan also urged the batsmen to start delivering. The Sunrisers were restricted to 132 for six in the allotted 20 overs.

“The fielding was excellent, but we need more runs from the batsmen. The wickets in the last two games wasn’t easy, in the next few games, I think they will get more runs,” Rashid concluded.

Sunrisers will next play against Rajasthan Royals on Sunday (April 29).