Rashid Khan Reflects on Comeback Challenges After Back Surgery

Rashid Khan's Journey Post-Surgery

Afghanistan's renowned spinner, Rashid Khan, currently engaged in The Hundred tournament in the UK, has candidly shared his regrets about returning to cricket too soon after undergoing back surgery following the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup. He acknowledged that his eagerness to excel in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) with the Gujarat Titans led him to push his limits during training, resulting in a decline in his performance.

The IPL 2025 season proved to be particularly challenging for Rashid, as he managed to secure only nine wickets across 15 matches, with a disappointing average of 57.11 and an economy rate of 9.34. He faced difficulties against both established and emerging players, conceding a staggering 33 sixes. His struggles with speed and precision were evident throughout the season. However, after taking a two-month hiatus post-IPL, Rashid returned revitalized, achieving a remarkable 3/11 in a match for the Oval Invincibles against the London Spirit at Lord's.

In an interview with a sports media outlet, Rashid reflected on his failure to heed medical advice after his surgery. He stated, "After IPL, I needed a break to allow my body to recover fully."

He elaborated, "I focused on rebuilding my strength. Coming back from surgery, I rushed my rehabilitation, which was a mistake. I didn’t allow myself adequate recovery time and pushed too hard, which I now recognize as detrimental. After the IPL, I realized I needed a two-month break to concentrate on my fitness."

Rashid expressed satisfaction with his performance upon returning, noting, "When I resumed, I felt great, in rhythm, and my body was cooperating. These factors are crucial; sometimes, we overlook them in our drive to perform. Taking time off to focus on both physical and mental fitness was vital for me."

On a challenging pitch at Lord's, Rashid bowled at speeds between 94-98 kph, demonstrating control and precision. He remarked, "I was bowling at my usual pace, which I had missed due to my previous physical limitations. Against the Spirit, I felt that familiar rhythm and was able to trouble the batsmen effectively."

Despite being warned to prioritize rehabilitation, Rashid resumed competitive cricket in March 2024, primarily in T20Is against Ireland. He played a significant role in Afghanistan's historic semifinal run in the T20 World Cup 2024. However, he later experienced back and hamstring issues, which forced him to miss the Big Bash League and Pakistan Super League. In January 2025, he participated in Test cricket, taking 11 wickets over 55 overs in a match against Zimbabwe, but the strain from these extensive spells affected his performance in the Champions Trophy and IPL.

Rashid admitted, "I was advised not to rush back into longer formats after surgery, but I did not heed that advice. After eight to nine months post-surgery, I bowled 55 overs in a Test, which was too much too soon. I should have stayed away from that format for longer."

He acknowledged that while T20 cricket is manageable, the longer formats require more caution. Rashid reflected on his eagerness to help the team during a tough period in Test cricket, admitting, "I rushed back without giving myself enough time to recover, and I felt the consequences later. The stiffness in my back hindered my rhythm."

During the IPL, he recognized that he was overexerting himself in training, stating, "I was trying to regain my form and deliver for the team, but pushing too hard backfired. I needed to relax and not put so much pressure on myself. I often bowled 15-16 overs in a single training session."

Feeling he was disappointing his team, Rashid consulted with the Gujarat Titans' coaching staff about his bowling. Now, he reflects on the importance of accepting that everyone has off days and years. He stated, "Sometimes, you need to calm down and accept that bad days happen. These experiences teach valuable lessons. I should have recognized that it’s okay to take a step back; I’m confident that with hard work, I will find my form again."

Rashid is aware of the scrutiny surrounding his performance in the IPL, with many questioning if he has reached his peak. He noted, "People wonder if I’m done, but I was simply struggling with my length."

Since entering the IPL in 2017, Rashid maintained an impressive economy rate of six runs per over until 2022. However, by 2025, his economy rate against right-handers had risen significantly, reflecting a shift in batting strategies against him. He acknowledged these statistics but remained unfazed, stating, "I know I need to improve my length to reduce the number of boundaries conceded."

After withdrawing from the Major Cricket League in June, Rashid recognized the stress he was placing on his body. He focused on strength training for his lower back and engaged in light bowling sessions. This break allowed him to spend quality time with family, which contributed to his mental well-being.

Rashid shared, "After the IPL, I took three weeks off from cricket to enjoy time with my family and nephews, creating positive memories to clear my mind before returning to the game. This helped me refresh and get back to bowling effectively."

The time away seems to have positively influenced Rashid, as he performed well in four matches for Speen Ghar Tigers in Afghanistan's T20 tournament, achieving 4/19 in his last game. Now, he aims to maintain this momentum as the Invincibles strive for a third consecutive title.