The rise of Afghan cricketer Rashid Khan
At 19 years and 165 days of age, Rashid Khan, who led Afghanistan against Scotland in the World Cup Qualifier, became the youngest captain in international cricket's history. He took the place of regular skipper Asghar Stanikzai, who has been diagnosed with appendicitis. The promotion is another feather in the cap for the top-ranked ODI and T20I bowler. Here we look at Rashid's evolution.
Debut for the national side
Rashid Khan began his international career at a young age of 17, in October 2015, in an ODI match against Zimbabwe. The right-arm leg spinner, who idolises Shahid Afridi, is known for bowling quick deliveries and putting batsmen under constant pressure. Rashid's rise to prominence as the top bowler in short formats of cricket runs parallel to the war-ravaged Afghanistan's success as a team.
Career so far in numbers
As a recently promoted Test nation, Afghanistan are yet to play their first Test match. Rashid, however, has played 38 ODIs and 29 T20Is and has picked up 87 and 47 wickets, respectively.
Not just international cricket
Rashid garnered the attention of cricket fans with successful performances in domestic leagues like the IPL. He earned his first IPL contract in 2017 when Hyderabad picked him for Rs. 4 crore and he became an instant hit. They went on to reclaim him at Rs. 9 crores this year. In 14 IPL matches, he has picked 17 wickets at an average of 21.06.
Shines at the Big Bash league too
Rashid Khan also grabbed spotlight at the recently concluded edition of Big Bash League, where he represents Adelaide Strikers. He went on to become the highest wicket taker in the season, with 18 scalps from 11 matches.
