Afghanistan cricketer and Gujarat Titans skipper Rashid Khan is overjoyed to lead an IPL team for Titans against Chennai Super Kings after regular skipper Hardik Pandya was ruled out due to a stiff groin on Sunday. An unbeaten 94 by David Miller off 51 balls and Khan’s batting in the 18th over turned the IPL game against Chennai to chase down the target of 170 in the thrilling match of the IPL 2022 on Sunday night.

The Afghanistan all-rounder hit 40 in 21 deliveries to script Gujarat’s incredible win against Ravindra Jadeja-led CSK. When Gujarat needed 48 runs from 18 balls, Khan smashed three sixes and a four and David Miller’s sensational knock of 94 helped propelled Guajat to victory.

Elated over his captaincy debut in the IPL, Khan posted several images of Gujarat Titans’ celebrations post-victory on his official Instagram handle.

He wrote, “Was always a dream of mine to captain an IPL team… a dream I managed to fulfil and I will be forever thankful to Allah for. I would like to thank Gujarat Titans players who have contributed in my first win as captain. Last night was a truly special effort. Best seat in the house watching (David) Miller the Killer do what he does best.” (sic)

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The 23-year-old, who made his IPL debut in 2017, said, “It’s a kind of dream captaining the team, but the overall the win made it memorable. I have been working hard on my batting. I consider myself an all-rounder and I want to fulfill that responsibility.” (sic)

Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar and former India cricketers Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan and Mohammad Kaif hailed Rashid for his performance and congratulated him on his debut as a captain.

Back in 2017, Khan was bought in the mega IPL auction for a whooping Rs 4 crore, ending the Sunrisers Hyderabad search for a leg spinner who could make an impact. The leg spinner picked up 7/18, considered the best haul ever in ODIs, helping Afghanistan register a stunning 63-run victory over the West Indies.

The Afghan sensation also made headlines when he picked up his second 10-wicket haul in Test cricket and helped his team beat Zimbabwe by 6 wickets. The win was significant not just for Rashid but also for Afghanistan as it boosted the country’s profile on the international cricketing map. Even in 2019, Rashid took 11 wickets against Bangladesh and enhanced his reputation.

Gujarat Titans will face Kolkata Knight Riders on April 23 at Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai.

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