IPL 2020: 'My last over was very crucial because Nicholas Pooran was in the mood' - Rashid Khan

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) leg-spinner Rashid Khan has opined that his final over in yesterday's IPL 2020 clash against the Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) was very crucial as the marauding Nicholas Pooran was threatening to win the match single-handedly.

He made this observation in the post-match press conference after the David Warner-led side's emphatic victory over the team placed last in the IPL 2020 points table.

On being asked about his exceptional spell against the Kings XI Punjab, Rashid Khan responded that he was only trying to follow the basics by bowling in the right areas and not putting undue pressure on himself.

"I am just trying my best to keep it simple. I don't put too much pressure on myself. I just go there and enjoy my bowling and that's what I have been doing so far. On these wickets, you have to adjust your line and length, which is the key."

Rashid Khan pointed out that he got his bowling strategies in place after judging the nature of the pitch with his first few deliveries.

"As soon as I came and bowled my first three balls, I realised what is the right length on this wicket and how should I bowl."

The wily leg-spinner added that he keeps the deficiencies of the batsmen in mind while coming up with his bowling plans.

"At the same time you have to bowl to the weakness of the batsmen as well. That's what I have been doing and I got success."

IPL 2020: Rashid Khan always delivers in pressure situations, David Warner https://t.co/hrVFECFJYG

— TOI Sports News (@TOISportsNews) October 9, 2020

---

Rashid Khan on his duel with Nicholas Pooran

Rashid Khan got Nicholas Pooran caught by T Natarajan [P/C: iplt20.com]

Rashid Khan was also asked about the match-defining over he bowled to Nicholas Pooran. He replied that it was a very important over because the West Indian was going all guns blazing.

"I think it was a very crucial over, my last over, because Nicholas Pooran was in the mood as well. He was going after the bowling."

Rashid Khan revealed that his only intention was to bowl dot balls and build the pressure on the left-hander.

"Captain gave me the ball and I tried my best to bowl dot balls, I think the more dot balls I bowl, better are the results I get."

The Afghanistan leg-spinner expressed delight about his plan giving the desired results, with Pooran giving away his wicket while trying to hit the ball too hard.

"That's what happened. I bowled 4 dot balls and then he tried to hit too hard for a single which gave me a wicket as well."

With Bhuvneshwar Kumar no longer a part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad team in IPL 2020, the onus was on Rashid Khan to lead their bowling attack. The youngster did not let the team down as he bowled an exceptional spell of 3/12 in his four overs, and fetched the prized scalp of Nicholas Pooran.

The magician spun his 🕸️, again! 🧡#SRHvKXIP #OrangeArmy #KeepRising @rashidkhan_19

— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) October 8, 2020