IPL 2018: I Think Rajasthan Royals Will Be in the Grand Finale, Says Zahir Khan

Afghanistan spinner Zahir Khan believes that Rajasthan Royals (RR) will reach the final of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018. They will lock horns against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the eliminator at Eden Gardens on Wednesday (May 23).

Royals were able to secure their playoffs place. Ajinkya Rahane-led team had won seven matches out of the 14 league matches. However, the Jaipur-based outfit didn’t have an ideal start in the eleventh season of the Twenty20 league.

Meanwhile, Zahir was not able to play for the Royals after suffering a shoulder injury. Afghanistan chinaman had suffered a blow to his shoulder when he attempted a dive during the practice session.

The spinner who is recuperating from the injury in Chennai told Hindustan Times, “The AjinkyaRahane-Shane Warne combination can do wonders. I think Rajasthan Royals will be in the final. I congratulated the teammates for making it to theplay-offs. As far as I’m concerned, I can try my luck next season”.

The mystery spinner added that God had different plans for him as he suffered a shoulder injury.

“I injured my shoulder diving during fielding in a practice game. I was so excited to be part of the Rajasthan Royals team for my maiden IPL. But God had different plans,” he added.

Zahir is hopeful that he would be available for selection for the Afghanistan historic Test match against India.

Exciting spinner added that their team has good players to challenge the Indian team.

“It would be a big historic moment for our country. And taking on a heavyweight team like India would make it more special. Spinners like Rashid Khan, Mujeeb-ur-Rehman and all-rounder Mohammed Nabi have shown their mettle in the IPL. Our batsmen would be better at taking on spinners in Bengaluru. I hope I regain fitness by then and I’m eligible for selection. Otherwise, we are slated to play plenty of Tests in next four years,” Zahir added.

Zahir added that the Afghanistan pitches are conducive to spin bowling. The Chinaman also went on to add that the Afghanis are gifted with the talent of bowling spin.

“Like India, we have spin-friendly wickets back home. So,youngsters tend to bowl on such wickets and end up being spinners.Moreover, Afghanis are naturally gifted when it comes to spin bowling.Our spinners will hold the key in T20s against Bangladesh and farewell against India,” Royals spinner added.

Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman have done a fine job in this season of the IPL.

However, Zahir Khan had to miss out on the opportunity due to his injury. He rued the chance to play under the watchful eyes of legendary Shane Warne.

“When they do well in a big league like the IPL a strong message goes out to the world that Afghanistan cricketers are no less than any of the big stage cricketers. It would have been great if I also played and made a mark. I missed a chance of playing under coach Shane Warne,” said Zahir.