Rashid Khan, an Afghan cricketer, shares his life story, from his childhood to his rise in international cricket. He was initially interested in batting but was encouraged by his friends to focus on bowling due to his natural talent. Rashid's family, especially his brothers, played a significant role in his early cricketing days, and they often had heated matches at home.
Rashid's journey to becoming a professional cricketer was not easy, as he faced opposition from his family, who wanted him to focus on his studies. However, he eventually got selected for the Afghan national team and made his debut in international cricket.
Rashid's experience in the Indian Premier League (IPL) was a turning point in his career, where he was drafted by the Sunrisers Hyderabad team. He recalls his first match in the IPL and how he got his first wicket. Rashid credits the coaching staff, including Tom Moody, V.V.S. Laxman, and Muttiah Muralitharan, for their support and guidance, which helped him to develop his skills and gain confidence.
Throughout the conversation, Rashid also shares his personal life, including his love for dancing and his family's enthusiasm for his cricketing career. He emphasizes the importance of staying true to one's natural abilities and not trying to change one's style to suit others.
Overall, Rashid's story is one of perseverance, hard work, and the support of his family and coaches, which have enabled him to become one of the top spin bowlers in international cricket.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Rashid Khan used to open in batting before becoming a bowler.
2. His friends told him he was better at bowling than batting.
3. Rashid started playing domestic cricket for Afghanistan and was put down the batting order.
4. He was told to focus on bowling and not batting.
5. The coach told him he had to choose between batting and bowling.
6. Rashid wanted to be an all-rounder, but the coach said no.
7. In a qualifier round, Rashid was captain and decided to open the batting.
8. Rashid's house is a 3-hour drive from Kabul.
9. The Pakistan border is about 1 hour away from Rashid's village.
10. Shahid Afridi's village is about 2 hours away from Rashid's village.
11. Rashid's favorite cricketers were Shahid Afridi and Anil Kumble.
12. Rashid used to bowl fast with a tape ball, which made it go even faster.
13. Rashid's brothers are also spinners and can bowl a leg spin and wrong one.
14. Rashid's nephews are also leg spinners and can bowl a wrong one and leg spin.
15. Rashid's family has a big basement where they all sit together.
16. Rashid's nephews tell him stories of how he played in matches and ask for pizzas at 2-3 am.
17. Rashid's mom doesn't like him eating pizzas late, but he convinces her to order them.
18. Rashid's family has a lot of love, disagreements, and jokes.
19. Rashid feels sad when he has to leave his family after a short visit.
20. Rashid's mom gets sad when he leaves, so he doesn't tell her when he's leaving until the last minute.
21. Rashid packs his own bags and leaves after breakfast.
22. Rashid's favorite food is a special barbecue program his family makes for him when he visits.
23. Rashid's nephews buy firecrackers and put garlands on him when he arrives home.
24. Rashid's first match in the IPL was against RCB.
25. Rashid's first wicket in the IPL was Mandeep.
26. Rashid got Man of the Match in his second IPL match against Gujarat Lions.
27. Murli sir told Rashid that he is ahead of him with talent.
28. Rashid was told by his coaches to relax and focus on his variations.
29. Rashid's coaching unit, including Tom Moody, Laxman, and Murlitharan, gave him a lot of confidence.
30. VVS sir, Murli sir, and Laxman sir told Rashid that going for runs in 2 matches was not a big deal and that it happens to everyone.
31. Laxman sir told Rashid that he is the best spinner in T20.
32. Captain Kane Williamson told Rashid to relax and enjoy during a match.