|| Desk Report ||

Newly appointed Afghanistan Captain Rashid Khan said that he was mentally prepared to be the captain of Afghanistan. 

Rashid performed the role as the captain of Afghanistan team in the T20 format earlier but after the poor World Cup performance Gulbadin Naib was stripped off from the ODI captaincy and Rashid was appointed to lead the side across formats. Rashid said, he wasn't surprised at the decision and was ready for it.

"I wasn't quite surprised. I was already the vice-captain, which means you are the upcoming captain. Mentally, I was ready for it. Yes, it happened very quickly, but when it comes to the national team, when it comes to the country, you always have to be ready to lead. I'll try my best to lead as well as possible," Rashid quoted to ESPN Cricinfo.

Rashid said, if they want to compete with the big teams in World cricket they have to up their game. Afghanistan performed abysmally in the World Cup. They lost all the games they have played. 

Rashid's own performance was also bad in the World Cup. He took just six wickets from nine matches and his average was 69.33 in the World Cup. He said, they have to prepare and plan as they are not playing associate teams anymore.

"From here, we have to take steps. We have seen the World Cup, we have seen the oppositions and what should be the proper preparation for them, and we have to be very strong mentally. We have to be fully fit for such competitions and we have to be well-prepared. We are not playing with Associate teams right now, we are playing with the Full Members, so we have to be well-planned and prepared," Rashid added.

Rashid also urged his players to improve their fitness. He believes, Afghanistan players are talented but they have to improve their fitness to match with the other teams.