England leg-spinner Adil Rashid is super excited for his maiden stint in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, which was postponed mid-way in May due to COVID-19 cases in the bio-bubble of multiple franchises.
Recently, Rashid was roped in by Punjab Kings (PBKS) after Australian fast bowler Jhye Richardson pulled out of the remainder of IPL 2021, due to be held in UAE from September 19 to October 15.
"I'm really looking forward to it. This is probably one of the best competitions going around in the world. You got the world's best players here. So, for me to be out here just to experience that and hopefully play alongside them, I'm really looking forward to it. So, it should be a good time," he told TOI in an exclusive interview on Wednesday (September 15).
Rashid, part of England’s triumphant 2019 ODI World Cup squad, has played 201 T20s in his impressive career so far, claiming 232 wickets at an average of 22.08.
After the IPL, the 33-year-old will be seen in action at the T20 World Cup in UAE and he feels playing the cash-rich league is an ideal way to prepare for the ICC tournament.
"Yes, definitely. The T20 WC is just after this, so to be here now, to gain the experience of these conditions, the atmosphere, the weather, you know hopefully will put me in a good position for the World Cup as well," he said.
When asked about England’s chances at the mega event, Rashid said: "I think we've definitely got a good chance, but I always say we never look too far ahead. We don't look at the World Cup. We take it one game at a time, one step at a time.”
"You take baby steps and then you win the game. That's our mindset. We back each other in the team, and we got a very strong squad. We've got match winners all the way. So, I'm confident that we have got the right squad in place to do what we can do," he further remarked.
During his time at PBKS, Rashid will look to pick the brains of head coach Anil Kumble, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest leg-spinners of all time.
"100%. Kumble was one of the best leg-spinners in the world. So, I will be picking his brains for his experience and whatever he says about leg-spin will be valuable. He has been there and done that. So, I 'm looking forward to interacting with him, and hopefully I'll learn a lot from him," he said.
(With TOI inputs)
