“They are expecting five wickets in every match from you, irrespective of whether it’s a T20 or an ODI. They just say you have to take five wickets in every match,” said Khan of his considerable fan following, especially back home.

But he knows how to handle the situation best: give his best and forget about the result.

“If you do it right, you will find it easier than international cricket. That’s what we were discussing before the IPL and we’re still discussing it,” he said. “The way he has delivered is unexpected. People were not expecting him to bowl as well as he did. That’s the talent he has. He just needs to be relaxed and enjoy himself.”

Rahman and Khan reflect the significant rise of Afghanistan cricket in recent years, and the talent the country possesses, especially with their spinners.

“Last year when I went back from IPL, I was invited by one of the academies. When I went there, they told me that during IPL they had got 126 leg-spinners. I was surprised to hear that,” said Khan. “He even said that 5-10 fast bowlers became leg-spinners!”