AB De Villers, one of the members of the legendary league of T20 cricket, was recently in India to have discussions with the Royal Challengers Bangalore management. Though now retired, the player wanted to discuss a possible non-playing role with the RCB franchise for the upcoming IPL 2023 season. Also considered a sports specialist, when the former RCB player was asked by SuperSport who according to him is the greatest T20 player of all time, his answer surprised everyone. It was none other than – Rashid Khan.
De Villers further elaborated on his pick by saying, “My greatest T20 player of all time is none other than Rashid Khan. He delivers with bat and ball. Match winner in both departments; he is a livewire in the field and has got the heart of a lion.” De Villers further added, “He always wants to win; he’s very competitive, and he’s right there with one of the best T20 players…Not one of the best, the best.” The answer came as a surprise to some as they thought that Villers would name his good friend – Virat Kohli.
“You pick up so many hints and tips for your own game by watching how the best players prepare and if you take on board one or two things, it will make you a much better player,” De Villiers said in an interview.
Ever since his amazing performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) of 2017 with Sunrisers Hyderabad (who had snapped him up at a whopping US$600,000), he has evidently become a young heartthrob. His performances helped Sunrisers Hyderabad reach the final, and he was named the player of the match in the Eliminator and Qualifier 2 games. Since then, Rashid has become a T20 specialist and has played in T20 leagues all around the world, including the Big Bash League, the Caribbean Premier League, and the Bangladesh Premier League. In 2018, he was named the ICC T20I Player of the Year, becoming the youngest player to win the award.
Despite his young age of just 24 years, the Afghanistan all-rounder’s extraordinarily effective leg spin has made him one of the greatest T20 bowlers ever, among the first names on wish lists of teams in leagues all around the world. Also known for his unique bowling style of lethal googly and yorkers, he has become a valuable asset for every team, especially in the death overs. He has also become the youngest captain in international cricket history when he was appointed as the captain of Afghanistan’s T20 team at the age of 19.
Khan was also named the ICC T20I Player of the Year in 2018 and 2019. Rashid is considered a role model for young cricketers in Afghanistan, and he has inspired many youngsters to take up the sport. De Villers really has a keen eye for the sport in choosing the name of Rashid Khan.