Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has showered praise on Rashid Khan, stating the Afghanistan spinner is a player from a different league. Khan has once again proved his mettle in the ongoing IPL 2023 for the defending champions as he has scalped 25 wickets in 15 matches at an average of 19 and an economy rate of 7.91.
Ergo, the talisman leg-spinner has played a key role in taking the defending champions to the playoffs. Rashid has bamboozled the opposition batters with his tricks in the middle overs and he has been a go-to bowler for Hardik Pandya.
Furthermore, Rashid has also provided the finishing touches to the team. The right-hander gave a glimmer of hope to GT in the first qualifier as he smashed a 16-ball 30 cameo.
The Turbanator hailed Rashid’s all-round performance for GT, stating on Star Sports, “Rashid Khan is a player from a different league. He’s picking up wickets in heaps, he’s scoring runs, he’s a gun fielder, and he led GT whenever captain Hardik wasn’t available. He’s done everything and excelled. GT are exceptionally lucky to have a player like Rashid in their ranks.”
On the other hand, former Australian skipper Aaron Finch added that the Titans have a potent bowling attack as Mohammed Shami, Rashid Khan, and Mohit Sharma have done a terrific job for the team.
“GT are a strong team to beat because they have a world-class bowler in Rashid Khan. They have a good captain in Hardik Pandya, who’s shown a lot of maturity. Thirdly, their fast bowling attack is also balanced.”
Meanwhile, Harbhajan believes Mohammed Shami becomes unplayable when there is swing on offer. Shami is known to swing the new ball and he has been at his absolute best in the Powerplay overs. The right-arm pacer is currently the leading wicket-taker with 26 wickets in 15 matches in IPL 2023.
“Mohd Shami is a bowler every team looks to have. He’s a good new-ball bowler. He nails quick yorkers in the death overs. He has a brilliant seam position and becomes an unplayable bowler when there’s swing.”
GT will take on Mumbai Indians in the second qualifier at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on Friday.
