Rashid Khan Backs Gujarat Titans to Recover After Slow IPL Start
Mumbai: Gujarat Titans' stand-in captain Rashid Khan has voiced strong confidence that his team will bounce back in the ongoing IPL 2026 season, despite suffering defeats in their opening two matches. The Afghanistan T20I skipper, who led the side in the absence of regular captain Shubman Gill, emphasized that the tournament is long and the team is close to turning their fortunes around.
Leadership Role and Team Morale
Rashid Khan stepped up to captain Gujarat Titans in their recent clash against Rajasthan Royals in Ahmedabad, as Shubman Gill was sidelined with back spasms. "Gill didn't want to take a risk with his fitness, and we respect that decision," Rashid explained. "We have a lengthy tournament ahead of us. We've lost two very close games—one while defending 163 and another while chasing 211. We were competitive in both matches but couldn't finish strongly. With 12 matches remaining, we'll learn from these experiences and come back stronger."
Injury Concerns Cast Doubt on Test Match Participation
The 27-year-old leg-spinner, who underwent back surgery in November 2023, revealed that his participation in the one-off Test against India in New Chandigarh from June 6 to 10 is uncertain. Rashid cited medical advice warning against the heavy workload of Test cricket to protect his long-term career.
"Honestly, after the surgery, doctors advised me to avoid Test cricket for two to three years," Rashid stated. "They emphasized that if I want a prolonged career, I should steer clear of this format due to the intense physical demands. In my last Test, I bowled 55 overs, which poses a significant risk for someone recovering from back surgery. We'll assess the situation, but I'm definitely excited about the upcoming ODI series against India—it promises to be an thrilling contest for us."
Recent Test Performance and IPL Form Analysis
Rashid Khan last featured in a Test match in January 2025 against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, delivering impressive figures of 4/94 and 7/66 in a 72-run victory. However, his IPL performances have seen a decline in recent seasons. Once a formidable force during his tenure with Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rashid managed only nine wickets in 15 matches during IPL 2025, averaging 57.11 with an economy rate of 9.34. This season, he has taken two wickets in two games so far.
Despite these statistics, Rashid attributes his dip in form to technical issues rather than his injury. "To be candid, it's not about the injury. Last year, I simply missed my length and line, which prevented me from performing at the high standard I've upheld over the past six or seven years," he clarified. "In the last two games, I feel I've executed 90-95% of the deliveries in the areas I intended, which is a positive indicator."
Adapting to Evolving IPL Conditions
Rashid also highlighted the changing dynamics in the IPL, where flatter pitches and escalating scores are making bowling increasingly challenging. "A few years ago, no one anticipated teams scoring 300 runs. Now, it's a topic of discussion. When teams regularly post 230-240, expecting to bowl four overs for 10 runs and two wickets is unrealistic," he noted. "Previously, 180-190 was a competitive total. Today, even defending 220 is tough. The pitches have become flatter, and spinners receive less support, but my focus remains on self-improvement and adaptation."
As Gujarat Titans prepare for their upcoming matches, Rashid Khan's leadership and resilience will be crucial in steering the team towards a successful campaign in IPL 2026.
