Zahir Khan, Afghanistan’s 19-year-old spinner, who was signed by Rajasthan Royals in this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL), said this week he is certain his team will clinch a spot in the finals.
Sadly for Khan he will not be playing after having missed the season due to a shoulder injury sustained in practice.
The spinner, who is at a rehabilitation center in Chennai said: “I injured my shoulder diving during fielding in a practice game. I was so excited to be part of the Rajasthan Royals team for my maiden IPL. But god had different plans.”
“I’m so thrilled to see Rajasthan enter the play-offs,” he said.
“I think Rajasthan Royals will be in the finals. I congratulated the teammates for making it to the play-offs. As far as I’m concerned, I can try my luck next season,” he said.
The Hindustan Times reported he should however be ready for action before Afghanistan’s historic first Test match against India in Bengaluru next month. Describing the Test against India as a big leap for Afghanistan, Khan said cricket has given the country reasons to celebrate.
“It would be a big historic moment for our country. And taking on a heavyweight team like India would make it more special. Spinners like Rashid Khan, Mujeeb-ur-Rehman and all-rounder Mohammed Nabi have shown their mettle in the IPL,” according to Khan.
“Our batsmen would be better at taking on spinners in Bengaluru. I hope I regain fitness by then and I’m eligible for selection. Otherwise, we are slated to play plenty of Tests in next four years,” he said.
He made his One Day International (ODI) debut for Afghanistan against Papua New Guinea in the 2015–17 ICC Inter-continental Cup in November 2015.
Hindustan Times reported that known to be a sharp spinner, Khan lauded Sunrisers Hyderabad spinner Rashid Khan and Kings XI Punjab’s 18-year-old MujeebZadran for their good performances in IPL 2018.
“When they do well in a big league like the IPL a strong message goes out to the world that Afghanistan cricketers are no less than any of the big stage cricketers. It would have been great if I also played and made a mark. I missed a chance of playing under coach Shane Warne,” said Khan.