Sunil Gavaskar called Rashid Khan the most wanted player in the world – Dainik Savera Times

Jaipur: Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar lauded the performance of Afghanistan spin-bowling all-rounder Rashid Khan in Gujarat Titans’ thrilling 3-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals (RR), saying his commitment makes him a player desired by franchises around the world. After captain Shubman Gill’s brilliant innings of 72 runs on 44 balls, the last innings of Rashid (24 not out on 11 balls) and Rahul Tewatia (22 runs on 11 balls) helped Gujarat Titans beat Rajasthan Royals in the last innings on Wednesday night. Have achieved exciting victories on the ball.

Before showcasing his batting skills, the 25-year-old Afghan all-rounder bowled economically and finished his four-over quota with figures of 1-18. He was named Player of the Match for his all-round performance in GT’s win. Speaking to Star Sports on Cricket Live, Gavaskar praised Rashid’s commitment to the game. ‘Yes, he didn’t hit the wickets the way he usually does, but when he was needed with the bat he came and did well. This is why he is such a desired player for franchises around the world. They want him because they can see his commitment, batting, bowling and fielding.

‘Look at the way he gives everything while fielding. Bowlers can sometimes be a little worried about diving on their bowling shoulder, because if their shoulder dislocates their career is in danger. Not with Rashid Khan, he just wants to give 100 percent. He said, ‘There is another cricketer who is not playing in this IPL, but who is the same again, that is Ben Stokes. Whenever you see Ben Stokes batting, bowling or fielding, he is 100 per cent, he gives everything. And these are the cricketers that coaches and captains want. They may not always give results but you know the percentage is not going to be less than 100.

Former Australian cricketer Aaron Finch reiterated the same on Rashid’s performance against RR, saying, ‘It is not easy to pick Rashid Khan, especially when he bowls in the powerplay and he created some chances as well, Matthew Wade took some tough wickets. Gave opportunities. In a match where almost 400 runs were scored, for someone to go below 20 is extraordinary. ‘We talked before the game about him getting back to his best form after surgery, but tonight he embarrassed us all. He has just got the job done and that’s great, he always gives 100 per cent and gets the job done.

Apart from the GT batsmen, Rajasthan Royals’ in-form batsman Riyan Parag also won everyone’s heart with his brilliant batting performance. He hit three fours and five sixes at a strike rate of 158.33 in his third fifty of the season. Parag now has 251 runs in five matches in IPL 2024, second only to leading run-scorer Virat Kohli. Gavaskar also shared his views on Parag’s performance, saying, ‘The way he is batting. If he had got eight more balls to play, he could have scored 30 to 35 more runs in those eight balls. Then Gujarat Titans would have been chasing 225 runs instead of 197.’ There was pressure. So, it was great to see a good and solid partnership.