In a revealing interview, Afghanistan spin sensation Rashid Khan has indicated he might sit out the solitary Test against India scheduled for June, prioritizing his fitness for white-ball formats amid ongoing back concerns.
The Gujarat Titans star, fresh off a stellar IPL 2026 performance where he dismantled Delhi’s batting at Arun Jaitley Stadium, opened up about the perils of Test cricket. ‘I don’t want to risk my back injury flaring up again. Doctors have warned me against too much red-ball bowling,’ Rashid explained. Despite this, he pushed limits by delivering 67 overs in a Test against Zimbabwe recently.
Rashid has played sparingly in Tests – only six out of Afghanistan’s 12 – his last in Bulawayo in January 2025. Post-2023 ODI World Cup back surgery, he’s been selective. ‘One Test a year is manageable, but full-day bowling sessions are risky. My heart is in ODIs; that’s where I see my future,’ he asserted.
The India clash, set for the new Chandigarh stadium from June 6-10 after IPL 2026 wraps up, represents a marquee opportunity for Afghanistan. Yet Rashid stressed the need for caution to gear up for upcoming ODI World Cups.
His comments resonate in an era where T20 leagues dominate, pulling players away from Tests. Rashid’s IPL exploits – pivotal in Gujarat’s wins – exemplify his T20 prowess, but he remains committed to ODIs as his primary international format.
As fans await clarity on his availability, Rashid’s strategy underscores a pragmatic approach: safeguarding health for peak performance in formats that align with his strengths and career longevity.
