Rashid Khan got fitter through the lockdown
The cricketer says he is all gung- ho about his IPL 2020 stint
Afghanistan cricketer Rashid Khan’s devastating spells with Sunrisers Hyderabad ( SRH) franchise in the year 2018 and 2019 in IPL has been still echoing in the people’s mind. Having been a part of the Caribbean Premier league ( CPL) recently, from August 18 to September 10, the leg spinner says he is glad to be training with his SRH teammates ahead of the team’s first clash against Royal Challengers ( RCB) on Monday. “It feels great to be back, training with this team ( SRH). I felt rejuvenated after meeting the players, and the camaraderie we share is amazing. I think one of the great aspects of this team is that we enjoy each other’s success,” states Rashid. Much like many others in the tournament, Rashid thinks the biggest challenge for the teams will be to play for the next two months in the bio secure bubble. But he certainly has taken it in his stride. “I think that’s how most of the events around the world will be organised, and it is something that all the players have to get used to. We all need to be mentally strong too. So the quicker you adjust to the conditions the better you can deliver,” says Rashid who turned a year older on Sunday.
STAYING POSITIVE, STAYING INVOLVED
Expressing his happiness for IPL being conducted this year, Rashid admits that the lockdown had posed a challenge to his fitness. “I don’t think anyone had anything to do during the lockdown except stay indoors,” he chuckles, and adds, “But I wanted to make sure that my fitness didn’t go for a toss and that the break doesn’t affect me when I resume the play.” To ensure that he did not put on weight, he was careful about his food intake, too. And all of those efforts seem to have paid off. “I even lost a few kilos,” explains the cricketer. But lockdown was not just about focusing on fitness. “I have been spending time playing with my nephews and trying my hand at a few recipes,” he adds.