Rashid Khan feels the rhythm that deserted him after back surgery in 2023 has finally returned. Regarded as one of the defining talents of T20 cricket, Rashid endured a tough stretch in the previous season, managing only nine wickets across 15 matches for Gujarat Titans. The challenge didn’t end there—his 2024 campaign was also far from smooth, with his form suffering as he tried to find his timing again following the surgery. On top of the physical setbacks, Rashid admits there were mental hurdles as well, with a persistent worry hanging over him: what if he pushes too hard and aggravates his back once more?
That lingering doubt appears to be fading after a standout display on Wednesday night against Delhi Capitals. Rashid bowled with intent, challenging batters on both sides of the wicket, and delivered three crucial breakthroughs—removing Nitish Rana, Sameer Rizvi, and Delhi’s captain Axar Patel—to pull his team back into contention. Gujarat Titans went on to win the match by a single run, in a game where both sides crossed the 200-run mark.
Rashid’s most satisfying moment, he said, came through the googly he used against Delhi’s in-form batter Rizvi. He finished with figures of three wickets for 17 runs in his four overs, a spell that turned the pressure in a high-scoring contest.
Speaking to the media after the narrow one-run success over Delhi Capitals, Rashid was naturally asked about the difficult season he had and the work he put in to return to his best. His response carried both honesty and humour. “Yaad mat dilao yaar, bohot bura season tha (2025) (Please don’t remind of it, it was a very bad season). But if you have a bad season, it doesn’t mean you are gone… It’s just about your line and length,” Rashid said following the win.
He explained that part of his improvement this year has been learning not to overthink. “I feel like that’s something which I missed it last year. And this year I was just focusing on not to think a lot,” he said. Rashid also described his preparation timeline, saying he gave himself a couple of months after the previous IPL to focus on fitness. He believed his back was still causing discomfort earlier on, but progress came as he built strength. “I felt like I was struggling a little bit with my back after surgery. And I think when I had three good months, I had a good The Hundred in UK,” he added.
More than adding novelty, Rashid emphasised the importance of fundamentals—especially core strength and the ability to bowl with full rhythm. “But more importantly, I try my best to just work on my fitness and work on my core. That does allow my body to bowl with the full rhythm,” he said.
The Afghan star also spoke about his belief in keeping his skill set focused rather than chasing endless variations. If he is hitting the right areas, Rashid feels the googly, flipper, and leg break are enough to keep hitters uncertain. “Bhai, kya badaoege aur (What more can you add)? I bowl consistently, either I bowl left spin, wrong one, flipper. But hitting the right areas, that’s challenging for me. And everyday I’m trying my best to improve and do better,” said the all-rounder.
Rashid’s cautious approach to his return is rooted in what he pushed himself through before surgery. He had pushed his body to the limit to play the 2023 ODI World Cup, despite doctors advising against it. After the tournament in India, he struggled even to walk, eventually leading to surgery. “After surgery, when I came back, I was very, very careful with my back. And that, I think, affected my bowling action and release and everything. So, I was trying to be careful,” he recalled.
He said the caution affected his rhythm and his tempo for a while. “I missed little bit of my rhythm. You know, I was trying to be slow, for two-three months, four months. And what was not allowing me (to push harder) was, a bit of pain in the back. I was scared, what’s gonna happen if I push it again. So, yeah, just to work on my core. And I tried my best to make it as strong as possible. And then, you know, just to go on with the full energy,” Rashid added.
Looking ahead, Rashid was also asked about the possibility of a future in red-ball cricket. Although he is fit to bowl again, he believes Test cricket will be difficult to sustain going forward. “Red ball is something which looks a bit difficult for me to keep in. Yes, one test in a year, I will take that, but I don’t think so more than that I can play,” he said.
