Rashid Khan, Afghanistan’s teenage cricket sensation’s stellar performance led Sunrisers Hyderabad into the IPL 2018 finals.
A 10-ball 34, 3 for 19, a pivotal run-out, and two catches in the final over, amidst high pressure.
His splendid all-round show earned him high praise on the internet, including those from some of the biggest names in cricket and Bollywood.
Always felt @rashidkhan_19 was a good spinner but now I wouldn’t hesitate in saying he is the best spinner in the world in this format. Mind you, he’s got some batting skills as well. Great guy.
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) May 25, 2018
If Rashid Khan Were Asked To Do Wicket-keeping, He Would’ve Easily Done 4-5 Stumpings Tonight. #KKRvSRH #KKRvsSRH #SRHvKKR #SRHvsKKR
— Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadejaaaa) May 25, 2018
As a leg spinner I love seeing all the different types of leg spinners playing in the #IPL but watching @rashidkhan_19 bowl in these big games makes me proud as he loves this stage & pressure it also gets me excited ! 👍
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) May 25, 2018
I think Rashid Khan could discover a new planet in the solar system or a new element in the periodic table today
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) May 25, 2018
@rashidkhan_19 wow wow wow. Truly a magical spell of bowling a great ambassador for the sport and his country. The final is gonna be thrilling
— Varun Dhawan (@Varun_dvn) May 26, 2018
Only one khan in cricket @rashidkhan_19 👏👏 #SRHvKKR #IPL2018Playoffs #leggiestrom💪 pic.twitter.com/zYQMOIRhfT
— Yuzvendra Chahal (@yuzi_chahal) May 25, 2018
Then, there were some who even went to the extent of demanding an Indian citizenship for the 19-year-old cricketer.
Somebody please give Rashid Khan an Indian Citizenship! That man deserves to play more international cricket! Afghanistan has a legendary player in the making! #SRHvKKR #rashidkhan #IPL2018 @IPL
— Kaustubh Dhonde (@kaustubh_dhonde) May 25, 2018
Is there any way, Rashid Khan can be given Indian citizenship? We need him in our XI
— Anish Chowdhary (@anish2k11) May 25, 2018
Let me say this: I wish Rashid Khan was Indian and played for India. He’s such a gem.
— Sohini (@Mittermaniac) May 25, 2018
But Afghanistan is not ready to give him away. Ashraf Ghani, Afghanistan President, took pride in cricketer Rashid Khan’s performance.
Afghans take absolute pride in our hero, Rashid Khan. I am also thankful to our Indian friends for giving our players a platform to show their skills. Rashid reminds us whats best about Afg. He remains an asset to the cricketing world. No we are not giving him away. @narendramodi
— Ashraf Ghani (@ashrafghani) May 25, 2018
India’s External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj too joined in the fun.
She tweeted, “I have seen all the tweets. Citizenship matters are dealt with by Ministry of Home affairs.” However, she deleted the tweet later.
And then, Twitter had its share of fun too.
Rashid Khan must be feeling like Taimur Ali Khan today. All cameras on him! #SRHvKKR #KKRvSRH
— SAGAR (@sagarcasm) May 25, 2018
My Name is Rashid Khan And I am the daddy of Shahrukh Khan ! 😂😂😂#KKRvsSRH
— Suhaib Akram 😎 #UST (@SuhaibBadsah) May 25, 2018
Dear Afghanistan!We’ll give you Modi. Please, give us Rashid Khan.
— Karthik Keramalu (@KarthikKeramalu) May 26, 2018
Rashid Khan be like.#SRHvsKKR #SRH pic.twitter.com/2R0U8xlCa0
— Ash_R (@ItnaCoffeeHai) May 25, 2018
Rashid Khan : Lagta hai mujhe hi kuch karna padega…Umpire : But Your overs are done..Rashid Khan *Takes two catches and moonwalks into the dressing room* #SRHvKKR #SRH #RashidKhan
— Snehashis Mohanta (@Thesnehashis) May 25, 2018
Rashid khan turend into AB de Villiers for 10 balls 34 score pic.twitter.com/EUxkM4yhdK
— Asif.samimi (@AsifSamimi) May 25, 2018
#SRHvKKRRashid Khan will now save a few boundaries, take a spectacular catch, put one direct hit, and also drive the team bus back to the hotel.
— Ramesh Srivats (@rameshsrivats) May 25, 2018
According to a report by the Indian Express, Rashid dedicated his award to the Afghanistan blast victims.
Rashid Khan is not only winning games of cricket, but also winning a lot of hearts. Dedicating his Man of the Match award to the bomb blast victims in jalalabad Afghanistan
— Kaleemullah Najam (@KaleemullahNaja) May 25, 2018
You truly won our hearts, Rashid!
