IPL 2022: Leg spinner Rashid Khan has enjoyed plenty of success since his debut in the Indian Premier League in 2017, but after taking on the role of vice-captain at new franchise Gujarat Titans, the Afghan star has a bigger prize in mind.
Rashid has yet to win the purple cap in the IPL. (Image: AFP)
HIGHLIGHTS
- Rashid Khan begins a new tenure as vice-captain of the Gujarat Titans
- The Afghan legspinner has 93 wickets in 76 games in the IPL
- Rashid has yet to win the purple cap in the IPL
Rashid Khan has been one of the most successful bowlers in the Indian Premier League since the Afghan spinners debuted in the T20 league in 2017. However, the leg spinner has yet to win the purple cap for most wickets in a season.
After taking on the responsibilities of vice captain of the new franchise Gujrat Titans, Rashid Khan is looking to end the drought for the bowling honor. Rashid, who played for SunRisers Hyderabad from 2017 to 2021, established himself as one of the most successful players in the IPL as his stocks grew at an unprecedented pace in world cricket.
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It came as no surprise when the Gujarat Titans paid him Rs 15 crore, the same amount they paid to call up captain Hardik Pandya ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction. However, there will be a big challenge for Rashid as he tries to settle into a new franchise.
“It’s always good to have that cap but beyond that I’ll try to contribute whatever the team needs from me and if that’s point balls then I’ll do that – that’s something I’ll have more in mind . It’s been a long time since I had this cap. In my first game in 2017 I had that cap and since then I’ve never had that cap but it will definitely be a great feeling to have that,” said Rashid Khan IPL ahead of Gujarat’s opening game.
‘GOOD TO BE BACK’
Rashid has so far won 93 wickets in 76 games in the IPL with a staggering save rate of 6.33, but batters in the recent past have tried to outplay him rather than take chances and gift him their wickets. Despite the batters cautious approach, Rashid picked up 18 wickets for SRH, who had a horror season last year and ended with a wooden spoon.
On the challenge of playing for a new franchise, Rashid added, “Rebooting, new challenges and a new team, something that always excites me and I look forward to it. I’m so happy to be back in India and part of the crowd is here too.”
The Gujarat Titans won the draw and opted to take on the Lucknow Super Giants in the opener at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
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