Speaking ahead of GT\u2019s clash against Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Saturday, Rashid also expressed satisfaction with his own bowling form and stressed the importance of trusting his skills against aggressive batters.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Afghanistan leg-spinner has been a key figure in GT\u2019s bowling attack over the years and said he was pleased with the way he has performed since rejoining the squad this season.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cAbsolutely. Since joining the squad, I\u2019ve simply tried to contribute as much as possible to the team's cause, and it feels great,\u201d Rashid said while reflecting on his performances after the Delhi game.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cAs far as my landing is concerned, the ball is pitching exactly where I want it to; so, I\u2019m quite happy with my performance so far. I will continue to strive to perform well in all the upcoming matches for the team,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Gujarat Titans come into the encounter on the back of three consecutive victories and remain firmly in contention for a playoff place. However, Rashid insisted the side is not looking to change its approach despite the winning momentum.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThere\u2019s no need to do anything differently today. We will simply continue doing what we\u2019ve been doing since the very first match, constantly striving to improve upon it,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not a case of simply maintaining the status quo just because we\u2019re winning; even when you\u2019re on a winning streak, there are always specific areas where you can aim for further improvement. So, wherever we spot an opportunity - or wherever we\u2019ve executed things well in previous matches - we focus on refining those aspects,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cBeyond that, we just enjoy our cricket and aim to deliver a strong collective performance as a team,\u201d Rashid said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The veteran spinner also acknowledged the challenge posed by Rajasthan Royals opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who has impressed with his aggressive approach this season.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt\u2019s definitely a challenge. Given the way he played last year, and the mindset with which he\u2019s approaching the game this season, it can certainly be a bit difficult for a bowler,\u201d Rashid said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cHowever, you have to place your trust in your own skills and the hard work you\u2019ve put in. Against a batsman of that caliber, I believe the key is to execute your \u2018good balls\u2019 with even greater precision,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIn my view, the better you bowl, the better the results you will get. That remains my sole focus: to bowl well and consistently hit the right areas,\u201d he further explained.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With the playoff race tightening, Rashid said Gujarat Titans are deliberately avoiding discussions around qualification scenarios and are instead taking one match at a time.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cNot really - that\u2019s still quite a way off. I think our focus right now is simply on our upcoming match,\u201d he said when asked if the team had started defining roles keeping the playoffs in mind.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With the playoff race tightening, Rashid said Gujarat Titans are deliberately avoiding discussions around qualification scenarios and are instead taking one match at a time.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI believe we will approach this match with the exact same mindset and play the same brand of cricket that we did in our very first game. We won't be thinking too far ahead into the future; our entire focus is on today's match, and our goal is to deliver a strong performance,\u201d Rashid concluded.<\/p>\r\n\r\n