Replicating His Form in Test Cricket Will be Very Difficult For Rashid Khan: Arun Lal

Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan has been quite a sensation in the recent times with the white-ball. After having a terrific Indian Premier League (IPL) season with the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), he was quite brilliant in the recently concluded three-matches T20I series against Bangladesh.

So, it was Rashid’s consistent performances which helped Afghanistan to register clean sweep over Bangladesh. It will surely give them enough confidence ahead of their inaugural Test match against India starting from 14^th June.

Given his form, it will be interesting to see whether Rashid manages to replicate his performance from the shorter versions. They also have the presence of mystery spinner Mujeeb-ur-Rahman, who is another brilliant spinner.

However former Indian player Arun Lal feels that India will hardly have any problems winning the One-off Test scheduled between 14-18 Test.

Lal feels that Afghanistan’s inexperience of play 5-day cricket will be the main factor for the visitors.

“Although Afghanistan has talented youngsters in the form of spinners Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, they do not have the experience of playing a five-day game. They will be handicapped whereas India will be playing at full strength, except Virat Kohli,” said Arun Lal.

The former cricketer Lal made his national debut against Sri Lanka when they played their first Test on Indian soil way back in 1982.

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Arun feels the longest format will severely test the No 1 T20I bowler in the world.

“Rashid is a good bowler, but in limited overs, cricket [only] and I will be surprised if he doesn’t offer half volleys and wide deliveries while bowling for longer periods. It will be difficult for them to adjust to the new format,” he said.

Rashid Khan bagged the Man of the Series award for the T20I series against Bangladesh bagging eight wickets at an exceptional economy rate of 4.45.

Meanwhile, the first Test between Afghanistan and India starts from 14^th June. The match will be held at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

Arun Lal speaks on his Test debut:

Lal also spoke on his Test debut and revealed that he wasn’t tense but lacked enough match practice.

“I was not tense, but was short of match practice. The season had yet to start, so I did not have enough practice before playing my debut Test. I adjusted as the innings progressed.” Arun made 63 and 1 in both the innings as the match ended in a draw.

“It was a memorable day (September 17, 1982). I was ready to offer anything to play for my country. So you can imagine how honoured I was. The current Afghan boys, I am sure they’ll be very excited as they make their Test debuts. I hope it will be a good Test. I won’t be surprised if they give us a good fight, but that won’t be adequate,” he added.

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