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Rashid Khan doubtful for India Test, cites red-ball load risks to career

Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan has expressed serious doubts about his participation in the upcoming one-off Test against India in June. He cited the intense physical demands of red-ball cricket and concerns over his long-term career, especially after undergoing back surgery. Rashid revealed his doctor strongly advised him to stay away from Test cricket to avoid further injury. The star bowler emphasized his commitment to ODIs but indicated he will severely limit his Test appearances to protect his fitness.

Key Points: Rashid Khan may skip India Test over red-ball workload concerns

  • Rashid Khan may miss Test vs India
  • Concerned about back injury risk
  • Doctor advised limiting red-ball cricket
  • Bowled 67 overs in a Test post-surgery
  • Prioritizing ODI career and World Cup
3 min read

Rashid Khan doubtful for one-off Test against India, wary of taking too much red-ball load

Afghanistan's Rashid Khan casts doubt on playing one-off Test vs India, citing doctor's advice and back surgery recovery to protect his long-term career.

"If you play one Test a year, you can't play for 100 years! - Rashid Khan"

New Delhi, April 9

Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan, currently turning out for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026, has cast doubt over his participation in the upcoming one-off Test against India in June, saying the demands of red-ball cricket could put his long-term career at risk.

Shortly after IPL 2026 ends, Afghanistan will play a one-off Test against India in New Chandigarh from June 6-10. Since Afghanistan played its first Test against India in 2018, they have played 12 Tests and Rashid, who had 45 scalps in the longer format, has played in only six of them - last of which came against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo in January 2025.

His red-ball availability has also been limited after undergoing back surgery post 2023 ODI World Cup. "I think I already played one before (against India in 2018 in Bengaluru). I will just take it easy. Imagine something happens to my back in a Test match. But I can't play 100 Test matches. If you play one Test a year, you can't play for 100 years!

"Red-ball cricket is a little difficult because that was the first thing my doctor told me - 'stay away from red-ball cricket'. 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 said it's not going to help me and that I won't be able to play for long. I still went ahead and played, but when he found out I had bowled 67 overs across two innings, he was shocked. He said, 'you can't do that to yourself," said Rashid in the post-match press conference, after GT beat DC by a solitary run in a nail-biting clash.

Rashid stressed he remains committed to ODIs, which he enjoys and believes he can play for longer, but red-ball cricket may have to be limited. "So yes, I will think about it. But ODI cricket - I really enjoy (playing) that format. I am in good shape to play ODIs for a longer period for Afghanistan. However, I want to be careful about how much I play and not put too much load on myself if I want to have a longer career.

"Red-ball cricket is something that looks a bit difficult for me. If it's one Test a year, I will take that, but I don't think I can manage more than that. I will try, but if I bowl a spell of 20-25 overs, I have to bowl the whole day if I'm in the team. In my last two Test matches, I bowled 167 overs, which is simply too much. I will take it easy and prepare myself for the World Cup," he added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
It's a bit disappointing for the fans, but you can't blame the player. The doctor's warning is very clear. Test cricket is brutal on the body. Maybe the scheduling needs a look? Playing one Test a year doesn't help anyone - not the player's development, not the team's rhythm.
R
Rohit P
His point about bowling 20-25 overs a day if he's in the team is spot on. Afghanistan relies on him so heavily. It's a tough situation for a small cricket board. But kudos to him for being so honest. Health is wealth, yaar.
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Priya S
Smart decision. He's a global star because of white-ball cricket. Why risk that for a format his team barely plays? Focus on the World Cups, Rashid! We want to see you in action for a long time. ❤️ From a GT fan.
A
Aman W
Respect for playing through pain against Zimbabwe, but listening to doctors is crucial. This also shows the physical gap between nations. India has bench strength; Afghanistan depends on one man. Hope they develop more Test-quality players soon.
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Karthik V
A bit sad for Test cricket purists. A match-up like Rashid vs our batters on a day 4/5 pitch in Chandigarh would have been epic. But player welfare is the new priority, and rightly so. Get well soon, champion!

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