ICC World Cup 2019 | We are emotionally charged to do well in the tournament, claims Rashid Khan

The Afghanistan national cricket team has undergone massive change in the last five years and now find themselves in the ICC World Cup 2019 as they are touted to cause at least a few upsets and provide some worthwhile entertainment for cricket lovers across the globe. While a number of players in the Afghanistan team have gained popularity in the last two years, a particular name that stands out from the rest is that of the talented spinner - Rashid Khan.

Khan, who has claimed a total of 125 wickets from 59 ODI matches, is considered to be the key figure in the Afghanistan team ahead of the start of this year’s ICC Cricket World cup on May 30. In a recent interview with TOI, the 20-year-old spoke about how the national team is pumped up to do well at the global showpiece in the coming weeks.

"We have got a good team. We fought back really well in the qualifying round. That's the reason we are in the main draw. We are glad that we have to play against mighty teams like India, Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa and of course Pakistan. For us, every match is very important. We have to make a mark in all the matches. The whole of Afghanistan will be praying for our success. The countrymen are the strength of our team. We are all emotionally charged to do well in England and Wales," Khan told TOI.

The SRH spinner has gradually developed himself into an all-rounder who is able to chip in with some runs at number six or seven in the batting line-up. Khan has revealed that he is working hard in the nets to improve all aspects of his game, be it his bowling, batting and even fielding.

"Limited-overs cricket has become a part and parcel of every international cricketer's life. There are very few cricketers who play only the Test matches. For me, I have to play in all versions of the game and if any cricketer wants to play and establish himself as a professional cricketer, he has to improve in all the departments. 

"I plan my practice schedule accordingly. Other than bowling in the nets, I spend time with the bat as well. Since I have been playing lot of T20 cricket in Bangladesh, Australia and India, I had to develop my fielding. As I told you earlier, my aim is to improve as a cricketer every day. In order to achieve that, I am spending lot of time during the practice sessions," Khan signed off.