Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan had become synonymous with the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League, having turned out for them in six straight seasons. But this season, he was bought by newcomers Gujarat Titans in pre-auction picks for Rs 15 crore – which is equal to what the franchise paid for skipper Hardik Pandya. It will take some getting used to a team making its debut this IPL season. There have been events off the field, too, for Afghanistan players - a change in regime back home, with the Taliban taking over governance post the complete withdrawal of US troops.
However, with the Taliban allowing men's cricket to continue, the cricketers have not just been busy representing the national team but also plying their trade in leagues around the world. After the Big Bash League, the Caribbean Premier League, Pakistan Super League and The Hundred, it is now time for the IPL. Apart from Khan, four other Afghan players will feature this season, starting on March 26, with two more - Noor Ahmad and wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz - turning out for the Gujarat Titans.
The team has set up its pre-IPL base in Ahmedabad. Khan is set to complete the mandatory three-day quarantine on Tuesday night and is looking forward to catching up with his new team members, especially Pandya. Excerpts from a media interaction from his hotel room:
Q/ Hardik Pandya will be leading in IPL for the first time. Your thoughts on playing under him?
I am really looking forward to it. It's my last day in quarantine and I haven't met him so far. I have played all around the world with different captains, and captained Afghanistan myself. I am really looking forward to interacting with him and understand his mindset and what he expects from me. We are good friends and now he is captain. It will be interesting, and I am very excited.
Q/ You have interacted with Shane Warne in the past. Your thoughts on his untimely death and what have you learnt from him?
It's a huge loss for the cricketing world. It was a huge shock for every cricketer around the world, not just me. I was lucky to have a 15-minute session with him during lunch break at the MCG in 2019. We had discussions about the long format - how I could be more effective in it. He shared his own experiences, and key points on how to bowl in Tests. He said 'you don't need to change anything - the speed or action - you just need to be consistent and more patient. You might get wickets sometimes, and sometimes, not even after bowling 13-14 overs; you have to be physically and mentally fit'. I wanted to spend more time with him. He said we would discuss more during The Hundred tournament in UK and that we have enough time to discuss more about the long formats. Everyone around the world will miss him.
Q/ How challenging have the changes been for you over the past year?
Definitely; different challenges at different stages. It, eventually, makes you stronger and teaches you so many things. It is a motivation for me to do good for my country. Lot of things have changed, but I should not change my mind and game.
Q/ It is a new start for you and Gujarat Titans.
It's the same – cricket - only the team has changed. I will try to adjust as soon as possible with the team, players, coaches and management. That will be my focus. I have played earlier with some of the players in the team – Vijay Shankar, and Wriddhiman Saha. I will try to play with the same momentum and mindset, and not try to do anything new. Just give my 100 per cent in whatever the team needs me to do - batting or bowling.
Q/ What will be your biggest challenge in terms of adjusting to the conditions?
We know about the wickets in Mumbai. As a bowler, I don't think too much about conditions. I know myself and I just think of what will be my process for the game, and the mindset I go in with. I haven't played on the new wickets in Ahmedabad. But it won't be dificult to adjust. I saw in the last IPL season that it is a good wicket for spinners. But, at the same time, you have to be really good with your line and length. If it's a turning wicket and you don't bowl well, it doesn't help. As long as you work hard, and be consistent with line and length, you can perform anywhere.
Q/ In Gujarat Titans, you will have young Noor Ahmad as your teammate. Your thoughts on your fellow Afghan spinner?
Noor is a very talented but young bowler. He has played a lot of cricket recently - Big Bash, Under-19 WC. He is learning now; he has the skill but IPL is a big stage. Here, you have to be strong mentally. You have to be well-prepared for it. I will try and share my IPL experience and give him confidence. We will try to keep him relaxed. For others too, it's a big opportunity to improve their skills and match temperament.
Q/ IPL is returning to India after two years. There is a huge difference between conditions in UAE and here.
Afghanistan has played a lot in the UAE and the IPL, too, has been played there. Conditions there and in Mumbai support spin - we will get turn and bounce in Mumbai. But I don't think about the conditions. I never think that the spin department is entirely dependent on me or that I have to take wickets, as it affects the performance. I keep things simple. I just bring my talent to the ground and bowl. I can control my effort, not the results.
