Australian David Warner has labelled Afghanistan's Rashid Khan "a superstar in the making" after the Sunrisers Hyderabad leg-spinner produced a stunning performance against the Gujarat Lions on Sunday night.

Khan, the first Afghan to play in the Indian Premier League, removed Gujarat's batting superstars Brendon McCullum, Aaron Finch and Suresh Raina to finish with 3-19 from his four overs, with all three wickets falling LBW, reports cricket.com.au

The 18-year-old had impressed on IPL debut last week with figures of 2-36 and he currently holds the Purple Cap as the leading wicket-taker in the tournament so far.

Warner, who has gambled on Khan's bowling in the Power Play in both matches, was thrilled with his new recruit, especially in the absence of star Bangladeshi bowler Mustafizur Rahman.

"He's a superstar in the making," Warner told IPLT20.com. "He adds a great dynamic to our team.

"With Fizz (Rahman) out, he's stepped up to the mark as a youngster and he's helped us out tremendously. So hopefully he keeps continuing his form.

"I backed him in the first six (overs). He said 'give me the ball, I want to try'. He got the crucial wickets for us."

Khan's confidence to bowl in the first six overs, when only two fielders are allowed outside the inner circle, is surprising given just one of the 91 overs he's bowled for his country in T20 cricket have come in the Power Play.