Rashid Khan Career

Jatin

Rashid Khan has been Afghanistan team's linchpin across formats (Source:@icryptodoctor,.x.com)Rashid Khan has been Afghanistan team's linchpin across formats (Source:@icryptodoctor,.x.com)

Rashid Khan from Afghanistan has transformed leg-spin bowling on a global scale. He was born on September 20, 1998, in Nangarhar, Afghanistan, Rashid’s growing journey in the cricketing era is fascinating.

With his exquisite leg-spin bowling, he showcased his talent in ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier in 2015. Rashid has the capability of blending googlies, flippers, and sharp leg-breaks which is essential in strangling his prey at the crease.

Rashid Khan’s Cricket Career

Rashid’s journey commences in 1998 from Nangarhar; a place in East Afghanistan. Rashid was introduced to the sport through the lens of enthusiasm since he approached cricket by playing with his brothers. He realised that this sport can be transformed into career. Those playful matches and rivalries with his brothers kindled his passion of cricket.

He is known to bowl with precision, unmatched in the cricketing world. His leg-spin bowling is quick to the point where he outsmarts his challenger. Although many leg-spinners soften their game by aiming to out-spin their competitor, Rashid is the opposite. His speed and accuracy make him a threat to the game.

Rashid Khan International Career

Rashid Khan International Career (Source:@JeetN25,x.com)Rashid Khan International Career (Source:@JeetN25,x.com)

It is important to mention that two cricketing legends have inspired Rashid's formative years. Pakistani all-rounder Shahid Afridi, known for his explosive play and charismatic personality, became an inspiration for Rashid. Equally influential was the South African maestro, AB de Villiers, whose batting brilliance captured young Rashid's imagination. These icons shaped Rashid's playing style.

Rashid Khan's T20I Career

Rashid Khan's T20I Career (Source:@RashidKhanRK19,x.com)Rashid Khan's T20I Career (Source:@RashidKhanRK19,x.com)

Rashid Khan first played in T20Is on October 26, 2015, against Zimbabwe. This match marked the beginning of his record-setting career in T20Is, making him an essential player in Afghanistan's bowling line-up.  

He achieved his first T20I five-wicket haul, taking five wickets for only 3 runs. This performance set the record for the best bowling figures by an Afghan in a T20I and ranked as the fourth-best in all T20Is. Rashid also became the first player to take a five-wicket haul in just two overs in a T20I match.

His leadership skills shone when he was named captain of Afghanistan's T20I team in July 2021.  Rashid reached a key milestone during the T20 World Cup match against New Zealand on November 7, 2021, when he took his 400th wicket in T20 cricket. 

Rashid Khan's ODI Career

Rashid Khan ODI Career (Source:@sgcrickett,x.com)Rashid Khan ODI Career (Source:@sgcrickett,x.com)

Rashid Khan played his first ODI on October 18, 2015, against Zimbabwe. This marked the start of a successful journey in the 50-over format, filled with remarkable achievements and impressive performances.  

One of his standout moments came against the West Indies at Gros Islet on June 9, 2017. He took an amazing 7 wickets for just 18 runs, securing the fourth-best bowling figures in ODI history.

In 2017, Rashid was named as the ICC Associate Cricketer of the Year. He is the fastest bowler to reach 100 ODI wickets in just 44 matches. During the ICC World Cup 2023, Rashid played a crucial role in Afghanistan's strong campaign, which included notable wins against teams like England, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.  

Rashid Khan's Test Career

Rashid Khan Test Career (Source:@Nadeem2khan1m,x.com)Rashid Khan Test Career (Source:@Nadeem2khan1m,x.com)

Rashid Khan made his debut in Test cricket during Afghanistan's first Test match against India in June 2018. He faced a tough challenge, conceding 154 runs, a record for the highest runs given up by a bowler in a team’s first Test match. 

His leadership abilities were recognized when he was appointed captain of the Afghanistan team across all formats after the ICC World Cup 2023. In his Test career, Rashid has played in six matches and taken a total of 45 wickets. His bowling average is 20.44, and his economy rate is 2.96.

Rashid Khan's IPL Career

Rashid Khan IPL Career (Source:@RashidKhanRK19,x.com)Rashid Khan IPL Career (Source:@RashidKhanRK19,x.com)

Rashid joined the IPL in February 2017, marking a key milestone for his career and Afghan cricket. He was bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad for ₹4 Crores, becoming one of the first two Afghan players to be selected for the IPL.  

Ahead of the IPL 2022 season, Rashid began a new chapter as he was acquired by the Gujarat Titans. In March 2022, he served as the team's vice-captain, bringing his extensive experience and skills to the new franchise.  A significant highlight of his IPL career occurred during the 2023 season. On April 9, 2023, he had an outstanding bowling performance against Kolkata Knight Riders, claiming a hat-trick. In IPL 2025, Rashid Khan was retained by GT, but he did not meet expectations.

FAQs - Rashid Khan's Career

Q.1. When did Rashid Khan make his international debut?

Answer: Rashid Khan made his international debut for Afghanistan in October 2015.

Q.2. What is Rashid Khan's best performance in T20 Internationals?

Answer: Rashid Khan’s best performance in T20Is is taking 5 wickets for just 3 runs against Ireland in 2017.

Q.3. How many wickets did Rashid Khan take in his first IPL season?

Answer: Rashid Khan took 17 wickets in 14 matches during his first IPL season in 2017.

Q.4. What record did Rashid Khan set in Afghanistan's inaugural Test match?

Answer: Rashid Khan set the record for the highest number of runs conceded by a bowler in a country's inaugural Test match.

Q.5. Does Rashid Khan have a hat-trick in the IPL?

Answer: Yes, Rashid Khan took a hat-trick in the IPL on April 9, 2023, playing for Gujarat Titans against Kolkata Knight Riders.