Afghanistan wrist-spinner Rashid Khan acknowledged that the Indian Premier League remains a tournament of really high standards and almost matches international cricket in the quality it provides, something which various other leagues across the world can only be envious of.
Rashid made his debut at the highest level in 2015 and only eighteen months later became the first cricketer from his country to play in the IPL as Sunrisers Hyderabad bought him in the auction for the 2017 season. And the 20-year-old admits how that completely turned things around for him.
"Playing with and against big players, controlling your nerves, interacting with a coaching staff like VVS Laxman and Tom Moody, these are things I never thought I would end up doing," he told ET Sports in an interview.
"There’s a big difference between the IPL and any other league I have played in. You have all the best players from around the world here, coaching staff are of a high quality but the main difference is the crowds. The way people come to the ground in each place and support their team, that’s a huge difference."
Rashid is an amazing bowler himself, but he once again recognised how playing in a side which has a great mix of pacers and spinners has proved to be a massive advantage for him.
"It takes a lot of pressure off you," he said. "When you know that anyone in the line-up can build pressure, keep things tight, take wickets, it makes your job easier."
"I’m fortunate to be a part of such a strong bowling unit. The bowling talent that we have, we just need to focus on doing the right things, be positive, we can defend any total."
Rashid is a cricketing hero from his war-torn country, an icon which the youth follows in Afghanistan. But does that put extra pressure over him to behave in a certain way and perform consistently upto well-established standards?
"No, it’s never pressure," he answered. "I am grateful for the following but I don’t keep that in my mind. I try to enjoy playing cricket as much as I can."
"My job is to be there for my team. I know the hard work I have put in, and I love giving 100 per cent. If I think about people back home, have to perform, I won’t be able to keep my mind free to give my best."
