"Rashid Khan Admits Error Following Back Surgery: The Cricketer Speaks Out About Post-Operative Challenges"
Rashid Khan, the star leg-spinner from Afghanistan, had a challenging season in both the Champions Trophy and IPL 2025. The root cause of his ordinary campaigns might be traced back to the physical toll he endured during the Bulawayo Test, barely a few months after his back surgery.
Khan spent three weeks away from the sport, focusing on family time and refreshing before getting back on track with cricket. However, his return to competitive cricket was not smooth sailing. His performance in IPL 2025 was below par, as he picked only 9 wickets in 15 matches, with a high average of 57.11 and an economy rate of 9.34. To make matters worse, he conceded the most sixes (33) by a bowler in a single IPL season.
Khan's poor performance in IPL 2025 was a direct consequence of rushing back to cricket after his back surgery, a mistake he now acknowledges. He states that he made this decision out of necessity for the team at the time. As a result, his speed and accuracy significantly decreased, and he missed out on the BBL and PSL due to back and hamstring niggles.
Following the tough IPL season, Khan took a two-month break to focus on his fitness and rehab properly. This break helped him physically and mentally recover, and he returned rejuvenated, notably with a strong performance (3 for 11) in The Hundred 2025 shortly after the IPL season.
Timeline:
- Post-2023 ODI World Cup: Underwent back surgery
- January 2025: Returned to Test cricket against Zimbabwe, bowling 55 overs
- Early 2025: Played in the Champions Trophy with poor results
- IPL 2025 (March–May): Struggled, taking 9 wickets in 15 games, conceding 33 sixes
- Post-IPL 2025: Took a two-month break to recover and strengthen his body
- August 2025: Returned successfully in The Hundred with match-winning bowling figures
Impact on IPL 2025: The premature return and insufficient rehabilitation compromised Rashid's bowling speed, accuracy, and stamina, leading to his worst IPL season ever. After proper rest and rehab post-IPL, he regained form and fitness.
Khan attributes his improved performance after his break to focusing on his fitness, both physically and mentally. He returned to cricket feeling good, in a good rhythm, and with the ball coming out of his hand nicely. This comeback serves as a reminder to all athletes about the importance of proper recovery and rehabilitation after injuries.
In light of Rashid Khan's challenging IPL 2025 season, where he failed to deliver outstanding performances, it seems the rush back to cricket after his back surgery played a significant role in his poor form. Despite this, Khan's recent success in The Hundred 2025, post his break, suggests that proper focus on fitness and rehabilitation can lead to a rejuvenated comeback, reinforcing the importance of recovery for athletes after injuries. Conversely, neglected rehab can impact sports-analysis, as evidenced by Khan's sports-analysis in IPL 2025, with a high average and economy rate, and an excessive number of sixes conceded.
