Rashid Khan put on a masterclass in spin bowling, setting up and outsmarting a batsman across one over. Known for his variations, Khan mixes off-spin and leg-spin deliveries with subtle changes in grip and wrist action. Throughout the over, he worked the batter with balls spinning both ways. Some deliveries just missed the edge or struck the batter’s leg but didn’t hit the stumps. Others forced cautious shots that earned only singles. The key moment came after the batter called for a pause, saying something was blocking his view. Khan smiled and used the moment to change his plan.
Earlier in the over, Khan nearly got the batter out with a delivery that spun away. The batter adjusted, aligning his bat to protect against that line. But Khan noticed this and switched to the googly, the ball that spins the opposite way and looks similar coming out of the hand. The grip and finger pressure changed, with more thumb involvement on the wrong’un. The batter, expecting the same spin as before, was caught off guard. The ball shot through the gap and hit middle stump clean. Khan celebrated, knowing he had trapped the batter with a perfect setup.
A comparison of the two deliveries showed just how close the actions looked in real time. The only hint is in the grip and the subtle finger positions. That small window when the batter asked for a stop gave Khan just enough time to switch strategies. The change worked perfectly. It was a clear example of Rashid Khan’s control, deception, and ability to read his opponent in the middle of the game.