Former Indian Test wicketkeeper Farokh Engineer has showered praise on the young Afghanistan wrist-spinner who has been absolutely brilliant ever since he has started his international career. Rashid Khan was awarded the T20 bowler of the year by CEAT at their annual awards.

Farokh Engineer, who himself got the CEAT Lifetime Achievement award, for his outstanding contribution to Indian Cricket in his playing days, was heard saying at the occassion, with Rashid sitting in front of him, that "I love his attitude towards the game. He is always smiling and looks to be enjoying himself. I'm sorry, he didn't enjoy too much yesterday,"

Farokh who was part of India's maiden Test series victories in England and West Indies was pointing out to the loss that Rashid had to endure, as Sunrisers Hyderabad were beaten by the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League.

But he cheered him up by saying, "But keep up that spirit. You're a great ambassador for your country. I think you should be the Prime Minister of Afghanistan,"

Also at the occasion, India skipper Virat Kohli won the International Cricketer of the Year award, while opener Shikhar Dhawan was named International Batsman of the Year. New Zealand pacer Trent Boult was presented with the International Bowler of the Year award, while his teammate Colin Munro won the T20 Batsman of the Year prize. Indian women cricketer Harmanpreet Kaur was awarded for the Outstanding Innings of the Year.

(Inputs from Mid Day)