Afghanistan’s premier spin bowler, Rashid Khan, is pessimistic about taking part in many Check matches for his nation within the coming years, citing workload issues following again surgical procedure.
The Gujarat Titans star, talking to the press after his match-winning spell in an IPL 2026 fixture in opposition to the Delhi Capitals in Delhi on Wednesday, revealed that his physician has strongly suggested him in opposition to taking part in red-ball cricket.
Afghanistan are scheduled to play a Check in opposition to India nationwide cricket group in June in New Chandigarh, however Rashid admitted he’s unlikely to characteristic. Notably, he was a part of Afghanistan’s historic first-ever Check match, which got here in opposition to India in 2018.
“Purple-ball cricket is a bit troublesome as a result of that was the very first thing my physician instructed me — ‘keep away from red-ball cricket’,” Rashid stated.
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“I nonetheless went forward and performed. After the surgical procedure, I performed a recreation in opposition to Zimbabwe and bowled 67 overs, which was loopy. The physician instructed me, ‘if you happen to do not need to play cricket, you’ll be able to preserve taking part in red-ball cricket’. He stated it isn’t going to assist me and that I will not be capable of play for lengthy.
“I nonetheless went forward and performed, however when he came upon I had bowled 67 overs throughout two innings, he was shocked. He stated, ‘you’ll be able to’t try this to your self’,” he added.
Since gaining Check standing in 2017, Afghanistan have performed 12 Assessments and Rashid has performed in solely six of them.
TARGET: 2027 ODI WORLD CUP
Rashid additionally stated he intends to prioritize white-ball cricket, significantly One Day Internationals, as he units his sights on the 2027 ODI World Cup.
India are additionally set to host Afghanistan for a three-match ODI collection in Juneand Rashid is anticipated to be a part of that squad.
“So sure, I’ll give it some thought. However ODI cricket — I actually get pleasure from that format. I’m in good condition to play ODIs for an extended interval for Afghanistan. Nevertheless, I need to watch out about how a lot I play and never put an excessive amount of load on myself if I need to have an extended profession.
“Purple-ball cricket is one thing that appears a bit troublesome for me. If it is one Check a 12 months, I’ll take that, however I do not suppose I can handle greater than that. I’ll strive, but when I bowl a spell of 20–25 overs, I’ve to bowl the entire day if I am within the group.
“In my final two Check matches, I bowled 126 overs, which is just too a lot. I’ll take it simple and put together myself for the World Cup. Think about if one thing occurs to my again throughout a Check match — I am unable to play 100 Assessments. There is no such thing as a particular goal for me in Check cricket,” he stated.
Rashid’s battle with a continual lower-back damage reached a essential level in November 2023, when he underwent surgical procedure in the UK after pushing by way of the ODI World Cup at what he estimated to be simply 40 per cent health.
Though his return to aggressive cricket in early 2024 initially appeared profitable, the calls for of consecutive franchise leagues and home T20 competitions quickly uncovered the fragility of his restoration. This resulted in important stiffness and finally led to his withdrawal from Check cricket as a way to protect his long-term health.
That cautious strategy was briefly put aside in January 2025, when Rashid featured in a Check in opposition to Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, producing a exceptional 11-wicket haul. Nevertheless, he struggled by way of the rest of the season, with the again situation resurfacing at numerous factors and hampering his efficiency in IPL 2025 — a marketing campaign he would relatively neglect.
Following a needed two-month break after the 2025 IPL season — targeted on intensive conditioning and technical recalibration — Rashid has now returned to cricket in peak bodily situation.
On Wednesday, he delivered figures of three for 17 to assist the Gujarat Titans defend a goal of 210 by a single run, ending their two-match dropping streak and opening their account in IPL 2026.
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