Adil Rashid, England’s most successful spinner in limited-overs cricket, has a unique connection with Indian batting legend Virat Kohli. In their first-ever meeting in 2006, Rashid dismissed Kohli in a Youth (Under-19) Test match. However, Kohli had already made a significant impact with a century.
“I don’t remember the dismissal, but I remember bowling a lot to him,” Rashid recalled. “We became good friends. Back then, we thought he would become a world-class player, but probably not to the extent he has become.”
Rashid has achieved greater success in shorter formats, with 122 wickets in ODIs and 19 Tests. He believes that his limited Test appearances have allowed him to excel in ODIs and T20Is.
“I don’t regret that I have played only 19 Tests,” Rashid said. “When I started playing cricket, I didn’t actually think I would play 19 Tests. So that’s a good achievement for myself.”
Rashid is one wicket away from becoming the first England spinner to take 200 ODI wickets. He is also eager to contribute to England’s success in the upcoming ODI series against Australia.
“I am looking forward to this series,” Rashid said. “When you are playing against Australia in any format, it is a big thing for England. We always have that rivalry there and that competition is high.”
Rashid is proud of his two World Cup victories with England in 2019 (ODI) and 2022 (T20I). “Those two have been the standout events of my career,” he said. “Winning a World Cup is ultimately what you want to do in terms of international cricket.”
Beyond statistics, Rashid is a captivating bowler to watch. His leg-break that dismissed Kohli in the third ODI at Leeds in 2018 remains a memorable moment.
