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Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan has already built his reputation as one of the greats of the T20 game. It would be hard to argue with the fact that he remains one of the best spinners in the business, especially in limited-overs cricket. Not only has he contributed to international cricket but has dazzled in T20 Leagues all over the world. Ahead of yet another stint in the IPL for Sunrises Hyderabad, Rashid said that he is looking forward to contributing with the ball in hand as well as the bat.
He said that while he has continued to train and work on his bowling, he has also worked on his batting and is confident of being able to deliver in the biggest T20 spectacle on the planet.
Been working hard on my batting skills: Rashid
"I have always believed that I can deliver with the bat for my team. I have the skills and the talent. When you play at the lower division, you get used to playing at a pace of 120-130. I was ready in my first two years when I had to face pacers of 140-plus. I was trying to be someone who delivered well in the team in the batting department," Rashid said in a recent interview on Sports Today.
"Then, when I had that game against KKR in Kolkata where I scored 34 off 10 balls, that innings gave me belief in my batting. It gave me a lot of confidence and hope that I can deliver for the team. If I come in to bat lower down the order and deliver 20-25 runs for the team, it will help the team and change the momentum," he added.
"I got confidence from the coaching staff, the captain, and the players as well. They have been telling me I am capable of hitting those 20-25 runs. As a player, when you get the confidence, it really helps. I have been working hard on my batting skills. Still a lot of work to be done but that is something that gives me a lot of satisfaction to come in and hit 20-25 runs.
"Last year, in the UAE, I got some opportunities to deliver with the bat but I was not able to. I am still disappointed about that. This year, whenever I get the opportunity, I will try my best to deliver for the team. I have the skills but I have to deliver in the middle," the 22-year-old further said.
SRH will begin their IPL 2021 campaign against the Kolkata Knight Riders later on Sunday. The match will be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.