Gujarat Titans (GT) orchestrated a nail-biting finish to a match they were close to losing, defeating the Rajasthan Royals (RR) by three wickets on April 10 in Jaipur. With two runs needed off the final ball, Rashid Khan clinched the victory for GT by hitting a boundary. Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar lauded Rashid Khan for his determination on the field, likening him to England's star all-rounder and Test captain, Ben Stokes.
GT was pursuing a challenging target of 197, with 42 runs required from the last three overs. Avesh Khan conceded 7 runs in the 18th over, Kuldeep Sen gave away 19 in the 19th over, and 15 runs were needed in the final over. Rashid Khan, scoring 24 off 11 balls, hit three fours to guide GT to victory, while Rahul Tewatia contributed a quick 22 off 11 balls. Their efforts handed RR their first loss of the season.
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Gavaskar lauds Rashid's all-round ability
Speaking on Star Sports, Sunil Gavaskar praised Rashid Khan, stating that even if he doesn't take wickets, he can score crucial runs in tight situations. Gavaskar highlighted Rashid's commitment to batting, bowling, and fielding.
"Yeah he didn't hit the wickets like he usually does, but when he was needed with the bat he came and delivered. This is the reason he's such a wanted player by franchises all around the world. They want him because they can see his commitment, batting, bowling, and fielding. Look at the way he gives everything while he's fielding. Bowlers sometimes can be a little concerned about diving on their bowling shoulder, because if they dislocate their shoulder careers are in threat," Gavaskar said.
Gavaskar cites similarities between Rashid and Stokes
Drawing a comparison to Ben Stokes, Gavaskar remarked on the dedication of the England all-rounder across all facets of the game. It's worth noting that Ben Stokes has taken a break from this season of the IPL and the T20 World Cup 2024 to manage his workload and fitness.
"Not with Rashid Khan, he just wants to give 100%. There's another cricketer who is not playing in this IPL but who's again similar is Ben Stokes. Anytime you see Ben Stokes batting, bowling, or fielding he's a 100%, he gives it everything. And those are the cricketers that coaches and captains want, they might not always deliver but you know the percentage is not going to be anything less than a 100%," Gavaskar added.
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