Rashid Khan of the Gujarat Titans (GT) has said that he generally laughs with fellow Afghanistan spinner Noor Ahmad during matches in the current Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 to help the youngster feel at ease.
Ahmad, an 18-year-old left-arm wrist-spinner, debuted for GT in IPL 2023. He had an instant impact, taking 13 wickets in 10 matches with an average of 22.15 and an economy rate of 7.96.
On Sunday, May 21, the teenager dismissed Faf du Plessis (28) and Mahipal Lomror (1) to end with stats of 2/39 as GT defeated Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) by six wickets in the last league game of IPL 2023.
Rashid spoke out about his chats with Ahmad in a post-match news conference, saying:
“Nothing much, we are mostly joking during overs. To be honest, I am just trying my best to keep him as cool as possible and not expect lot of things from him; make it simple for him. He is very young in IPL and has just started his career. Even during the overs, when I go to him, I try to keep it as funny as possible.
“Even off the field, we talk about the game, but we try to just do the basics right.” Rashid added, “Mostly, we just have fun – trying to discuss something in own language, in Pashto, just to make sure he’s happy and is having a fresh mind.”
Rashid had a strong IPL 2023 season, taking 24 wickets in 14 matches at an average of 18.25 and an economy rate of 7.82.
“I feel like every dot ball is a wicket in T20” – Rashid Khan
The “Impact Player” rule has made life difficult for bowlers in the IPL 2023, with most teams utilising it to extend their innings.
Rashid accepted the challenge and stated that, given the current situation, a dot ball is now as valuable as a wicket in T20s.
The spin magician went on to explain:
“In T20s, bowling in the middle overs nowadays, especially in this IPL with the Impact Player rule [is challenging]. What’s in my mind is to bowl dot balls and keep bowling my best deliveries. I feel like every dot ball is a wicket in T20.”
The 24-year-old also praised teammate Shubman Gill and RCB batsman Virat Kohli for his hundreds on Sunday.
Rashid stated:
“I am so lucky to witness two brilliant hundreds today [Sunday]. Virat bhai and Shubman, the way they both played, was unbelievable. Shubman’s hundred was great to watch. He has been working very hard.
“He has the belief that he can convert his 50s and 60s into 100, so he has been a very consistent player for us since last year. It was a brilliant innings and I am so happy for him.”
Gill’s hundred trumped Kohli’s as GT chased down 198 in 19.1 overs.
Hardik Pandya fitness update
Meanwhile, giving an update on the fitness of GT captain Hardik Pandya, assistant coach Naeem Amin stated:
Hardik is fine. He’s just a little bit stiff. Nothing to worry about. Hopefully, he will be fit and raring to go for the next game.”
The Gujarat Titans skipper did neither bat nor bowl in Sunday’s encounter against RCB.