Rashid Khan Rediscovers Magic on Field, Rethinks Red-Ball Future

In a high-scoring contest that largely favoured batters, Rashid Khan delivered a spell of control and precision to help Gujarat Titans edge past Delhi Capitals in a last-ball finish on Wednesday.

Chasing a target of 211, Delhi appeared well on course at the halfway mark on a night that saw bowlers struggle for control.

The contest unfolded as a typical 200 vs 200 encounter where batting dominated proceedings. Yet Rashid stood apart with figures of 3 for 17 and an economy rate of 4.25, even as others were taken apart.

Under lights in Delhi, Rashid produced a disciplined spell that stalled the Capitals' momentum, if not decisively turning the match in Gujarat’s favour immediately.

His performance also reflected a renewed confidence in his craft. After a subdued previous season where he appeared uncertain and rushed through his action, the Afghanistan spinner now looks more composed, smiling more often and bowling with greater rhythm and intensity.

Among his three wickets, the dismissal of Sameer Rizvi stood out. The googly deceived the batter in form and crashed into the stumps, a moment that brought visible satisfaction to Rashid.

“I think that it was after a long time, I got such a wicket,” Rashid said with a glee after the game against Delhi Capitals.

Why is Rashid Khan reconsidering his red-ball cricket future?

Off the field, Rashid addressed concerns over his participation in red-ball cricket, revealing that medical advice has made the format increasingly difficult for him.

The spinner has been dealing with a lower-back injury since 2023 and underwent surgery, after which he pushed himself to return to longer formats.

Despite warnings, he played a Test against Zimbabwe and bowled 67 overs, a workload that drew concern from medical professionals.

"Red-ball cricket is a little difficult because that was the first thing my doctor told me: Stay away from red-ball cricket,” Rashid Khan told reporters.

“I still went ahead and played. After the surgery, I played a game against Zimbabwe and bowled 67 overs, which was crazy. The doctor told me, 'If you don't want to play cricket, you can keep playing red-ball cricket’,” he added.

“He said it's not going to help me and that I won't be able to play for long," said Rashid.

With Afghanistan scheduled to play a Test against India in New Chandigarh in June, Rashid indicated he is reconsidering his involvement in the longest format due to the physical strain.

He reiterated his commitment to ODI cricket and expressed a desire to prolong his career by managing his workload carefully, focusing on fitness and major tournaments such as the ODI World Cup.

(With inputs from ANI)