Rashid Khan Faces Test Career Challenges Due to Injury Concerns

Afghanistan’s top spinner Rashid Khan has revealed that red-ball cricket has been tough for him since his doctor advised him to avoid it. Despite this, he pushed himself to play, even bowling long spells after his back surgery. However, doctors warned that continuing in Tests could shorten his career.

Rashid has dealt with a lower-back injury since 2023. Afghanistan is set to face India in a Test match in June. He shared, “Red-ball cricket is challenging because my doctor told me to stay away from it. I still played and after surgery, I bowled 67 overs in a game against Zimbabwe, which was intense. My doctor said if I keep playing red-ball, my career might not last long.”

He is now reconsidering his involvement in Test cricket due to the heavy physical strain, especially after bowling excessive overs recently. While he remains committed to ODIs and aims for a long career with Afghanistan, he plans to manage his workload carefully to stay fit and avoid injury.

In his last two Test matches, Rashid bowled 126 overs, which he admits is too much. He wants to focus on preparing for major tournaments like the ODI World Cup instead of risking his health in Tests.

Since gaining Test status in 2017, Afghanistan has played 12 Tests, with Rashid Khan featuring in six. In those matches, he has taken 45 wickets, including three five-wicket hauls.