Debasis Sen, Southampton: Afghanistan leg spinner Rashid Khan on Friday said he always relishes the challenge of bowling against the top batsmen in the world. The ‘Afghan Zalebi’ is having a nightmarish world cup, going for 110 runs in 9 overs in the last match against England at Old Trafford.
“I always enjoy bowling to Virat (Kohli). Exactly that gives you the kind of motivation while bowling to the best batsman. It gives you lot of confidence and positive things. You understand how the best batsman is playing you and what is the perfect line and length. I always enjoy bowling to the best batsmen like Virat , Williamson, Faf, Joe Root and Smith,” said Rashid during a brief chat with this correspondent.
The performance of Afghanistan so far in this tournament has been unimpressive. Gulbadin Naib’s team has lost all the five matches they played till date.
The leg spinner will have another opportunity to showcase his skills against the best batsmen in modern day.
“I think the preparation has been the same for every batsman I play against. I always think positively while bowling against classic batsmen like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. You need to have your mindset right as to what you want to do. You have to bowl most of the balls in the good length areas. Once you bowl a loose ball they will just smash you out of the park. My game-plan is to just go there and give your best. You have to bowl in the good areas, mix it up and give hundred percent,” said Rashid.
Talking about the team’s poor show, Rashid said, “I think it wasn’t a performance that everyone was expecting from us. We also believed in a better performance considering the preparation we had done for this tournament. But it happens. This is an area we need to learn from our mistakes and ponder what the right thing to do is. We hope not to repeat the same mistakes in the upcoming matches.”
One of the reasons pointed out by the leg spinner is the lack of experience, playing against bigger opponents regularly. On being asked what has been the takeaways from this tournament going forward, Rashid said, “As a batting unit we have learnt what the right preparation is for these conditions and also the mindsets against the big teams. That is something which is very important for us as a team. As a bowler you need to know what the right length and line is to bowl in these conditions. That is something we are taking back from this tournament. We are trying to improve our performance day by day.
Lastly, Rashid reckons India are one of the hot favorites to lift the Cup.
“No doubt, I think they (India) can win the tournament. They have the skill and ability. Best thing is they have the combination and balance in the team. I wish them all the best and hope insallah they will win,” signed off Rashid.