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"It Was A Mistake": Rashid Khan Reveals What Ruined His Champions Trophy And IPL 2025

Akshita Patel

Rashid Khan opens up on injury crisis [Source: @R_shelgarai, @CricCrazyJohns/X.com]Rashid Khan opens up on injury crisis [Source: @R_shelgarai, @CricCrazyJohns/X.com]

Afghanistan cricket star Rashid Khan has admitted that rushing back to Test cricket after back surgery was a decision that hurt his performances in both the Champions Trophy and IPL 2025. Khan underwent surgery in 2023, but apparently rushed his rehab.

The 26-year-old had surgery on his back following the 2023 ODI World Cup and was told to get back into cricket slowly through shorter formats. But in January 2025, just eight months after his surgery, Rashid returned to play a Test against Zimbabwe, bowling a massive 55 overs in the match. 

Rashid Khan Blames Excessive Workload For His Regression

Speaking to ESPN Cricinfo, Rashid Khan revealed that rushing back into Test cricket just months after his back surgery was a massive mistake. But he had to make that tough choice since Afghanistan needed him. 

"When I came back to cricket after surgery, I was told not to rush back in the longer formats [Tests and ODIs] that quickly as that was not going to help me. About eight to nine months after I had started to play post surgery, I bowled 65 [55] overs in the Bulawayo Test. That really pushed my back a little bit, and I felt it at that time. I shouldn't have been in whites [to play Tests]," Rashid said.

The heavy workload took a toll on his body just before two major tournaments. At the Champions Trophy 2025, Rashid had just one wicket in three matches, as Afghanistan failed to make their presence felt.

"In T20s, it's fine - you can manage yourself - but for the longer formats, I was advised that you should be away from that format for some time. That is the kind of mistake I have made. But the team needed that. At that time, we had lost a few games in Test cricket, but that's something where I rushed myself a little bit, and I didn't give myself time and I felt it later on. Yes, I think I have done a mistake where my body was not allowing me that and I'm facing a problem," he added.

His IPL season with the Gujarat Titans was also below par, nine wickets from 15 matches, with an economy rate of 9.34, far higher than his career average of 7.08.

Looking back, Rashid admits he underestimated the impact. Ironically, despite the setbacks, Rashid’s return Test against Zimbabwe was a personal success, 11 wickets in the match and a Player of the Match award. But the physical cost was heavy. 

Rashid Scales Historic Milestone In T20 Career

Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan made history by becoming the first bowler to claim 650 wickets in T20 cricket, achieving the milestone during The Hundred 2025 opener at Lord’s on August 5. 

Playing for Oval Invincibles, the 26-year-old leg-spinner took 3/11 in 20 balls, dismissing Wayne Madsen, Liam Dawson, and Ryan Higgins as London Spirit were restricted to 80 in 94 balls. Rashid now has 651 wickets from 478 innings at an average of 18.54. His spell earned him the Hero of the Match award and helped Invincibles secure a six-wicket win.