Afghanistan teenager Mujeeb Ur Rahman became the youngest ever debutant in the Indian Premier League after being picked in the playing eleven of the Kings XI Punjab side for their campaign opener against Delhi Daredevils at Mohali on Sunday.

The 17-year-old justified his hype with returns of 2-28 from his four overs as the Daredevils were restricted to 166-7 off their 20 overs after being put in to bat first.

Here, we take a closer look at the young spinner’s superb debut.

STATISTICS

OVERS BOWLED: 4

RUNS CONCEDED: 28

WICKETS: 2

ECONOMY: 7

30-SECOND REPORT

The Afghanistan spin prodigy made a grand debut by dismissing Daredevils opener Colin Munro with just his third delivery. His much touted variations were on full display as the batsmen found it tough to attack the teenager. He hardly gave anything away, ending up with another crucial wicket of Rishabh Pant.

GOT RIGHT

Plenty. The mystery spinner used all the variations using the traditional off-spin, leg-spin, googlies and more to keep the batsmen guessing. He was asked to bowl two overs in the power-play, and he did it admirable, conceding only 11 runs in those. He also showed his excellence in the field, running out the well set Gautam Gambhir with a direct-hit.

GOT WRONG

Not much. Displayed maturity well beyond his years. Unfazed by the challenge of bowling to some of the biggest hitters in the world, Mujeeb held his nerves even when he was put under pressure. The dismissal of Rishabh Pant off a googly after being hit for a boundary showed the mental strength the youngster possesses.

VERDICT: 9/10

It does not get any better than this for any debutant let alone a spinner who is only 17. When your skipper trusts you to bowl in the power-play and in the death on your maiden IPL outing, you know you are special. Mujeeb’s purchase is already looking like a winner for the Punjab franchise and he could end up as a superstar by the time the IPL ends.