The Gujarat Titans’ Rashid Khan may have picked just two wickets so far in this IPL because of his team’s pacers’ domination and yet he remains the biggest threat for all the opponents. The 23-year-old is a captain’s dream and traditionally it is always believed that for a leg-spinner, the backing and support of the skipper is extremely essential. However, such is the sustained success and body of work of the former Afghanistan skipper that he is one of the rare leggies in the game who doesn’t necessarily need a captain’s cushion all the time.
“To be honest, every bowler should have that kind of mindset. The bowlers must have the trust in his skillset. I always believe as a bowler you should take responsibilities for those six balls. If captain has given you the field and you can’t tell that you are not happy (means you are not taking ownership). I always try to imply my own plan first and then captain’s. You should try to set your own field and have the confidence. You need to be upfront with your captain as far your plan,” says Rashid in an exclusive chat with News18 with a rare candour in a PR driven world of interactions where most players are uttering the parroted quotes.
However, no one should get the impression that the Gujarat Titans’ match-winner doesn’t care about the role of a captain. It doesn’t mean that one of the most successful bowlers in T20 format is arrogant.
“It is right that you need back-up from your captain. Especially when you are going through tough times. That is required. But generally, as a bowler you should have your own plan and after that if you struggle then you go to the captain (and ask) what options he has. Then you can go to your captain and ask for his suggestions,” explains Khan who has played under more than 30 captains across the globe in various T20 teams.
The Titans not only have a new captain but a new coach as well in former India pacer Ashish Nehra. And, Khan is quite enthusiastic about working with Nehraji.
“We have played together in 2017. He was part of the SRH team. We used to have a lot of discussions as he was a senior player. The way he is working hard on this team is great. He is not very demanding as a coach. He is trusting the players. As a coach he is giving us positive energy. He reduces the pressure and we are focusing more on our performances,” says Rashid.
