Rashid Khan has been one of the most successful bowlers in the Indian T20 League since making his debut in 2017. He made his debut for Hyderabad and played for the team till 2021. In the ongoing Indian T20 League 2022, the leg-spinner is playing for Gujarat. Rashid has played 83 games, picking 101 wickets, averaging 20.73, at an economy of 6.35 so far. Despite performing well for the team, Hyderabad didn’t retain Rashid for the 2022 season, leaving many in disbelief.
Meanwhile, Hyderabad batting coach Brian Lara has explained why the team didn’t retain Khan ahead of the player auction. Lara said that the Afghanistan player couldn’t pick enough wickets as opposition batters started defending him. The former West Indies skipper, on the other hand, said that players such as Washington Sundar and Jagadeesha Shuchith are the assets for the team.
“I have a great respect for Rashid Khan but I believe we have the right combination. Rashid Khan was someone who opposition teams decided to defend against, he was not much of a wicket-taker,” Lara said on Star Sports after Hyderabad’s win over Bangalore on April 23.
“Yes (economy of) 5.5-6 runs per over is great but I think when you have a guy like Washington Sundar spinning the ball into the left-handers in the first six overs, He is an asset. Suchith has come in as his replacement due to injury and he is an asset as well.
The 52-year-old spoke about the bowling combination of the team. He said that the team is going with four pacers currently but might include more spinners in the playing XI going forward when the pitches will slow down. “We have gone in with four fast bowlers every single game so far. Of course, the pitches may change, they may have less grass later on. We have Shreyas Gopal as well, though he hasn’t had a game so far. He is also someone who has a hat-trick in the IPL. I still think we have a lot in the reserves to show the IPL and I am not too worried. All respect to Rashid Khan, if he was a member of this team, I think we might have been 7 out of 7, I don’t know,” Lara added.
