Rashid Khan a special talent, claims Muttiah Muralitharan

When Khan was picked up for an astonishing Rs. 4 crores in the IPL auction a few eyebrows were raised but Muralitharan, who serves as the bowling coach of the Sunrisers, said that decision had been made because of the speed at which he bowls.

"We thought he (Rashid) is something special and different than other leg spinners because he bowled little bit quicker than the others and he has variations," Muralitharan said, reported PTI.

"He has played his part in the first two matches and done well for us. It is a good sign and we thought he will do well and he is fulfilling our expectations." 

Before the IPL, the teenager had averaged 21.66 in 24 international T20s but that had come predominantly against minor teams. But Murali, who has 800 Test wickets against his name said that it was enough for the Hyderabad management to risk him.

"I have seen (Rashid) only for a couple of days. We choose him because we saw him playing international cricket and bowling well against quality batsmen," Muralitharan added.

Sri Lankan cricket has seen a slump after the likes of Muralitharan, Sangakkara, and Jayawardene had guided them to two consecutive World Cup finals. They were also a huge demand for the Sri Lankans in the IPL but this season has seen the new batch of Sri Lankans miss out. 

"Obviously, we don't have talent back home (in Sri Lanka). So actually, we are lacking (good players). We had great teams, great players but they all retired. New guys are coming up but until they perform, franchises won't pick them," Murali said candidly.