Rashid Khan has bowled well for Gujarat Titans, his new team, so far in IPL 2022. But his wickets column does not reflect any extraordinary numbers. The reason for that, the much sought-after spinner from Afghanistan believes, is that the batsmen nowadays take less risk against his bowling.
Rashid has taken six wickets from four matches at an economy rate of 6.68 and batters across teams have negotiated his spin pretty well. The 23-year-old, however, thinks it is just a matter of time before he comes up with a “magic spell”.
“I’m happy with the way I’m bowling in this competition so far,” Rashid said during a virtual media interaction. Stressing that he does not bother much about results, Rashid added: “I don’t really focus on results, it’s all about how I’m bowling. At the moment, my bowling is great. But it’s about the opposition, they don’t take that kind of risk against me which will allow you to take more wickets.”
Confident of his skill, Rashid warned batsmen that when the right time comes, he would surely outsmart them. “Whenever there are enough opportunities as a bowler, I would be smart enough to get them out. So far I’m happy with my bowling, the pitching has been great,” he said.
Rashid actually believes that his performance this season has been pretty much similar to his IPL outings in the previous years — a slow start before his bowling strike rate picks up.
One shy of getting his 100th IPL scalp, Rashid said: “If you look at the stats in IPL, I always have similar (slow) starts. I’ve always taken 5-6 wickets, not 12-13 in the first four-five games. It has always remained the same. But definitely, I will try my best to keep improving. Definitely, there will be a time when I’ll deliver that magic spell.”
Journey so far
Rashid, who has played 80 IPL matches from 2017-2022, said it’s been an unbelievable journey for him so far.
“Coming here from Afghanistan and playing all the games since my debut, it’s been amazing. Five years back, I didn’t even think of playing IPL. Nearing 100 (wickets), becoming vice-captain of Gujarat Titans, it’s massive. I’m so lucky and blessed.”
On being part of the leadership group at the Titans — he is the deputy to captain Hardik Pandya — Rashid said: “At times, you perform and at times you don’t. The mindset is about giving 100 per cent that’s more important than the result. We, as a team, are clear about it and everyone knows about their roles.”
First loss
Against his old team Sunrisers Hyderabad on Monday, Rashid had decent figures of 1/28 but the Titans suffered their first defeat after three wins, losing by eight wickets. Asked about the match, Rashid said they fell short for about 15-20 runs. “I felt like we fell short by 15-20 runs and could not capitalise on the start. They did well chasing under pressure,” Rashid said.
The Titans, who were asked to bat first, set a reasonable 163-run target but the Kane Williamson-led side secured a comprehensive win with five balls to spare.
(Written with agency inputs)
