Rohit Sharma Backs Rashid and Mujeeb to Excel

Published 06/01/2018, 4:19 PM EDT

Afghan bowlers Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman were both exceptional for their respective IPL teams. The former picked up 21 wickets conceding only 6.73 runs per over in a span of 16 matches. In fact, Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma was thoroughly impressed with the 2 players.

Meanwhile, the 17-year-old proved his mettle for the Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) by scalping 14 batsmen. This was coupled by the fact that he was also an economical bowler. However, their biggest test will be in the longest format of the game. Afghanistan will set off on their Test journey later this month.

Now, India batsman Rohit Sharma feels that the duo will be a force to reckon with in Test cricket.

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Afghanistan is set to face the number 1 Test team, India. To make matters even more difficult, the match will be on the latter’s turf from June 14. This match is said to be a one-off historic game.

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It will take place at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore. Interestingly, the Indian team seem sure of victory as several key players have been rested. So, instead of Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane will be leading the side. The Men in Blue are expecting to come out on the top against the newest entrants in the Test format.

Rohit Sharma heaped praises on Rashid Khan and Mujeeb for their respective IPL performances. The two players shared 35 wickets together in the IPL this year.

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He believe that the duo have a lot of control on their bowling. Sharma is confident that they can run through the sides in the whites. “I think Rashid and Mujeeb will be a force in Test cricket. Both of them have so much control over where they want to pitch the ball and if the pitch has anything to offer, they will be dangerous,” he said.

However, Rohit has faith in the Indian batsmen to handle the spin threat. “We have capable batsmen who can handle spin well. But it will be a challenge for our batsmen to face their spin,” added the limited overs vice-captain. Sharma will be once of the few core players who will be missing from the squad to face Afghanistan.

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Dhruv George is a senior Formula One and NASCAR analyst for EssentiallySports, having authored nearly 12000 articles spanning different sports like F1, NASCAR, Tennis, NFL, and eSports. He graduated with a PG Diploma in Journalism from the Xavier Institute of Communications. Dhruv has also conducted interviews with F1 driver Pierre Gasly and Moto2 rider Tony Arbolino.