Gqeberha, Feb 4 (PTI) – MI Cape Town skipper Rashid Khan expressed his desire to lead the team in the same manner he captained Afghanistan during the T20 World Cup, attributing his improved leadership this season to a deeper understanding of his squad. His strategic approach has played a key role in MI Cape Town’s resurgence, securing their spot at the top of the SA20 points table with 30 points from nine matches ahead of the playoffs.
The 26-year-old, who famously led Afghanistan to a historic victory over Australia in the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup 2024 and guided them to the semifinals, shared his leadership philosophy ahead of the first qualifier against Paarl Royals.
"I wanted to lead MI Cape Town the way I led Afghanistan in the T20 World Cup. Coach Robbie Peterson also encouraged me in this direction," said Rashid, who captained the team in the inaugural season but missed out last year due to injury.
Stronger Bonding, Better Results
Reflecting on the team’s turnaround, Rashid credited his increased familiarity with the players as a decisive factor in his leadership growth."This year, I knew the players well and spent more time with them, which helped in making better decisions about which bowler to use at what point," he explained. "The most important thing was clear communication—understanding what was going on in my mind as a captain and also knowing what was going through the minds of the players. I could have done better in the first season, but leadership is about continuous learning."
Over the past two seasons, MI Cape Town struggled to close out matches despite playing good cricket. However, this season, Rashid believes the team has found its winning formula.
"In previous years, we played well but failed to finish strong. This time, we have managed to execute in crucial moments," he said. "It has been a complete team effort—everyone has stepped up when needed, even if it meant making an impact in just one or two balls."
Bowling Unit’s Impact and Leadership Dynamics
Rashid also heaped praise on his bowlers for their consistency, highlighting their key role in MI Cape Town’s dominance."Everyone has contributed with the ball, and that has made a massive difference. The biggest thing is that we are enjoying our game, having fun, and not worrying too much about the results," he added.
The Afghan star emphasized the significance of having a leadership group within the squad, acknowledging the support he received from experienced players.
"As a captain, having a leadership group is crucial because you always need support. Coming from overseas and leading a team is not an easy job, but this year, having that leadership core made a huge difference," Rashid said.
"It’s not just about me making decisions; it’s about listening to the experienced players who understand these conditions better than anyone else. Their input is invaluable, and that has made my job much easier."
With a reinvigorated approach and a united squad, Rashid Khan and MI Cape Town now aim to carry their momentum into the SA20 playoffs as they gear up for a crucial clash against Paarl Royals.
