Rashid Khan‘s brilliant performance in the IPL Qualifier against Kolkata Knight Riders on Friday forced India batting legend Sachin Tendulkar to call the Afghanistan bowler the best spinner in T20 cricket.

The Sunrisers Hyderabad spin ace had a great day in the field against Kolkata. He first smashed a 10-ball 34 before snaring three top-order wickets while also affecting a run-out and taking two catches in the final over to help secure a 14-run win.

However, it was his bowling that made the bigger impact as he got Robin Uthappa bowled, trapped top-scorer Chris Lynn lbw and had all-rounder Andre Russell caught at first slip.

All three dismissals were classic leg-spinner wickets and Sachin heaped praise on the spinner who is yet to turn 20.

“Always felt Rashid Khan was a good spinner but now I wouldn’t hesitate in saying he is the best spinner in the world in this format,” Tendulkar tweeted.

Rashid will take a lot of confidence from Tendulkar’s stamp of approval as he prepares for the IPL final against Chennai Super Kings on Sunday and also Afghanistan’s inaugural Test against India in June.