Rashid Khan admits rushing back from surgery was major error in 2025

Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan took nine wickets in 15 IPL 2025 games but has 15 in 11 matches this season after improving his fitness.

Rashid regrets early comeback After a disappointing IPL 2025 campaign where he managed just nine wickets in 15 matches, Rashid Khan has turned things around this season with 15 wickets in 11 games so far. He reflected on his rushed return from surgery last year, admitting it was a significant mistake. When I had a surgery, Rashid said, I took only two months to get back on the field, and that was something that I did in a hurry. I felt that time I made a huge mistake, to be in the centre that soon, but I had to come back for Afghanistan and, and play those games.

Focus on recovery and fitness Rashid explained that after IPL 2025 ended, he had two to three months completely off the field. He worked intensively to rebuild his fitness, with special attention on strengthening his back to ensure a safe return. I think last year when IPL was over, I had two-three months totally off, and I tried my best to work on my fitness, and most importantly, my back, to be back on. I think the rhythm, I go through the crease, I think that was something I was missing.

Strong performance continues Following his recovery focus, Rashid felt he regained his rhythm and delivered a strong spell in a 100-ball competition. He maintained this form consistently. After that, I had a good time in the centre and I had a good 100-ball competition and then just kept on.

Match-winning spell in Jaipur During a recent game in Jaipur, Gujarat Titans had already claimed three wickets by the time Rashid began his bowling spell in the seventh over. He quickly sensed the pitch offered turn. Rajasthan Royals had posted 86 runs at a strike rate of 12.28 by then. Rashid dismissed two batters in his opening over—first trapping Dhruv Jurel lbw before deceiving Donovan Ferreira with a sharp legbreak. The 230-run chase collapsed from there.

Rashid's bowling strategy explained Rashid shared his approach after the match, emphasizing the importance of varying pace and maintaining accuracy. Yeah, the moment I bowled the first ball, I knew that there is something for me, but it's just about making sure you mix it up in the pace. I was trying to mix it up and hit the right area consistently, and don't leave the stumps. I feel like if I leave the stumps, it becomes easier for the batter to take a single or hit it for a boundary, but the most important part was, for me, that, yes, I want to hit the length, but more important it's the line, and it should be on those three stumps.

Predicting Ferreira’s dismissal Rashid revealed he had anticipated what might happen when bowling to Ferreira, who was new to the crease. He visualized the delivery before releasing it. Yeah, I had that in my mind. I made that movie in my mind before that. I feel like if I pitched it in the right area, there is some help, and I can get that wicket. So as soon as it went from my hand, I knew it's going to come.

Four-wicket haul secures victory Rashid completed his figures with two more wickets—Shubham Dubey and Ravindra Jadeja—finishing with four wickets for 33 runs. This performance sealed Gujarat Titans' 77-run win, marking a dominant bowling display.