IPL 2022 | I am a 'spin fast' bowler - Rashid Khan

Champion Afghanistan and Gujarat Titans spinner Rashid Khan has reckoned that he is a "spin fast bowler" than a spinner.

Khan, who has established himself as one of the greatest-ever spinners that T20 cricket has ever seen, bowls his ripping leg-breaks and googly at close to 100 kmph.

Bowling at such a high pace means that it takes a special skill set to impart spin on the ball as he does.

But, he'd rather be someone who bowls at 100 kmph than spin it at 75, said Rashid during an exclusive conversation with PTI.

"I am a 'spin fast' bowler because of the pace at which I bowl. It is tough to spin the ball at that pace, and for that, I think that it requires a different kind of skill-set," 

"The speed I bowl is somewhere between 96 kmph to 100 kmph. It is hard to generate turn at that pace, but I would rather bowl at that speed than bring it down to 70 to 75 kmph," Rashid said.

"I have always been a big fan of bowling quick leg-spin. I have just been trying different experiments with my bowling in the nets, and it's really helping," he added.

He further added that he doesn't consider himself a 'leg-spinner' as he usually does not use his wrists in the manner that leg-spinners do. Instead, he is also a finger spinner as he used the top of his fingers, the Afghan sensation asserted.

"I don't always consider myself a leg-spinner because spinners use a lot of wrists, and I don't use my wrists that much. I use top of my fingers, so I am a finger spinner as well," he said.

"Mystery spinner" is a term that is loosely used for any slow bowler who deceives a batsman win with his variations.

But, Khan believes that it's more about consistency in line and length that makes a bowler a "mystery".

"It's all about being more consistent with line and length and whatever you are bowling — be it flipper or leg-break. As long as you have good control over your skills and can bowl in the right areas, it doesn't matter if there is an element of mystery or not," he added.

"If you hit the perfect length time and again, anyone can become a mystery bowler. My length on which I have worked hard makes me different from other leg-spinners," he said.

For Rashid, having a mindset to deliver for your side irrespective of the situation matters to him the most. 

"Consistency is in having that kind of mindset. But, yes, that I am capable of delivering it in hard work and belief in skill sets is something I have always had," he stated.

Rashid had a decent outing in the first game against LSG as he gave away just 27 runs in four overs for one wicket.

His next assignment will be against the Delhi Capitals in Pune on April 02.