Role: Bowler
Batting Style: Right Handed Bat
Bowling Style: Right-arm offbreak
Country: Afghanistan
Team: Mumbai Indians
Player profile for Mujeeb Ur Rahman
Mujeeb Ur Rahman is a talented Afghan cricketer known for his exceptional skills as a leg-spin bowler, particularly in limited-overs formats. He has been a key figure in Afghanistan’s rise in international cricket and is regarded as one of the best young spinners in the world.
Full Name:
Mujeeb Ur Rahman
Date of Birth:
March 28, 2001
Place of Birth:
Khost, Afghanistan
Height:
5 feet 11 inches (180 cm)
Batting Style:
Right-handed
Bowling Style:
Right-arm off-spin (Leg-spin, googly, and other variations)
Role:
Bowler
Domestic Teams:
- Kabul Zwanan (Afghanistan Premier League)
- Comilla Victorians (Bangladesh Premier League)
- Kings XI Punjab (Indian Premier League, now known as Punjab Kings)
- Shpageeza Cricket League (Afghanistan)
- Sydney Thunder (Big Bash League, Australia)
International Debut:
- ODI Debut: December 5, 2017, against Zimbabwe
- T20I Debut: March 5, 2018, against the West Indies
- Test Debut: June 14, 2018, against India
Career Highlights:
T20I Career:
- Mujeeb made his T20I debut for Afghanistan in 2018 and quickly established himself as one of the top spin bowlers in the shortest format of the game.
- His variations, including the googly, the off-spin, and the “carrom ball,” make him a difficult bowler to face in T20 matches.
- He has taken multiple key wickets for Afghanistan in T20 World Cups and other international series, being a key component in Afghanistan’s bowling attack.
ODI Career:
- Mujeeb made his ODI debut in 2017 and soon became one of Afghanistan’s main bowlers. His ability to take wickets in the middle overs and control the game makes him a vital part of the team.
- He is particularly effective against both right-handed and left-handed batsmen, thanks to his variety of deliveries.
- Mujeeb played a crucial role in Afghanistan’s victories in several ODI matches, and his economical bowling makes him a vital asset during the middle overs.
Test Career:
- Mujeeb made his Test debut in 2018 against India. His role in the Test format is similar to his role in limited-overs cricket, where he bowls with precision and control, aiming to extract turn and bounce.
- While Afghanistan’s Test cricket journey is still in its infancy, Mujeeb’s presence in the squad adds value with his bowling expertise.
Key Strengths:
- Variation in Spin: Mujeeb is known for his wide array of variations, such as the googly, carrom ball, and top-spin, making him a challenging bowler in all formats.
- Control and Accuracy: He bowls with great accuracy, which allows him to bowl tight lines and frustrate batsmen, especially in the middle overs.
- Experience in T20 Leagues: Mujeeb has played in various T20 leagues around the world, including the IPL, BBL, and CPL, which has given him exposure to top-level competition.
- Youthful Talent: Despite his young age, Mujeeb’s maturity and intelligence on the field set him apart from many of his contemporaries, making him a key player for Afghanistan.
Playing Style:
- Bowling: Mujeeb is a right-arm off-spinner who uses his variations to deceive the batsmen. His delivery speed and flight are critical tools in his arsenal, allowing him to vary his lengths and angles effectively.
- Batting: While Mujeeb is primarily known for his bowling, he is a lower-order batsman who can contribute with the bat when needed. However, his main strength lies in his bowling.
Family and Early Life:
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman was born in Khost, Afghanistan, and started playing cricket at a young age. He was identified as a talent early on due to his exceptional spin bowling skills.
- He joined the Afghanistan U-19 team and represented them in various international youth tournaments, where he gained recognition for his talent.
Personal Life:
- Mujeeb is quite private about his personal life, focusing mainly on his cricketing career. His rise in the cricketing world has made him a household name in Afghanistan, and he is considered one of the country’s most promising cricketing talents.
- He is regarded as one of the best young spinners in world cricket, and his performances have earned him numerous admirers.
Notable Achievements:
- IPL (Indian Premier League): Mujeeb was signed by Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) in the IPL, where he impressed with his spin bowling, especially during the 2018 season. His ability to bowl in the powerplay overs and his consistency in taking wickets made him a key figure in the team.
- Youth Cricket: Mujeeb’s performances in Afghanistan’s youth teams helped him break into the senior national squad at a young age, and he has since played a vital role in Afghanistan’s success in international cricket.
- Afghanistan Premier League: Mujeeb played for the Kabul Zwanan in the Afghanistan Premier League, where he demonstrated his skills in the domestic T20 competition.
Challenges:
- Mujeeb’s young age means that he has to continuously develop his game to adapt to higher levels of competition. His involvement in international cricket and various T20 leagues will help him refine his skills, but maintaining his consistency in all formats remains a challenge.
- As a spinner in limited-overs formats, he faces challenges from batsmen who are more aggressive, especially in the death overs. However, Mujeeb’s control and variety allow him to adapt to these challenges effectively.
Future Outlook:
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman is one of the brightest young talents in world cricket, and his potential is vast. As he gains more experience and continues to develop his skills, he is expected to be a key figure in Afghanistan’s international cricket team for years to come.
- His involvement in major T20 leagues and exposure to world-class players will further enhance his abilities, and he could become one of the leading spinners in international cricket.
Conclusion:
Mujeeb Ur Rahman is a highly talented young cricketer who has made a significant impact in world cricket with his exceptional spin bowling. His variety, control, and maturity at such a young age have made him one of the top spin bowlers in limited-overs cricket. Mujeeb’s performances in international cricket and T20 leagues have earned him recognition, and he is expected to be a key player for Afghanistan in the future.