Struggles of Rashid Khan in IPL 2025 Unveiled: Player Confesses to Tough Times During Tournament
Rashid Khan Overcomes Struggles to Regain Form
Rashid Khan, the Afghanistan leg-spinner, faced a challenging IPL 2025 season while playing for Gujarat Titans. The season marked his worst-ever performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL), as he managed to pick up only nine wickets in 15 matches, with an economy rate of 9.34 – the highest among all bowlers. He also conceded a record 33 sixes, the most by any bowler in a single IPL season [1][3][4].
The struggles during IPL 2025 were largely due to Rashid's quick return to cricket after back surgery following the 2023 ICC World Cup. The rushed rehabilitation process led to a loss of bowling speed and accuracy, which further aggravated with overtraining during the tournament [1][3][4].
Feeling the pressure, Rashid admitted to feeling let down during IPL 2025. However, he remained positive about his future, believing that his performance would improve with time [1][2][3][4].
After IPL 2025, Rashid took a two-month break to focus on recovery and fitness. This break proved to be beneficial, as Rashid returned rejuvenated, demonstrating strong performances in The Hundred 2025. He took multiple three-wicket hauls and remained economical, showcasing his improved form [1][2][3][4].
Rashid himself acknowledged the mistake of returning too quickly and highlighted the importance of allowing his body to heal properly before pushing himself again. He emphasized the importance of focusing on fitness and mental and physical health during his break [1][2][3][4].
Notably, despite IPL struggles, Rashid performed impressively in other formats soon after, including the Afghanistan vs. Zimbabwe Test series where he took 11 wickets in a match, showing signs of recovery [2]. He has also reached a milestone by becoming the first bowler to take 650 wickets in T20 cricket and is gaining momentum ahead of upcoming tournaments like the Asia Cup [2].
Rashid Khan believes that his break and focus on fitness played a significant role in his improved performance. He admitted to pushing himself too much during the IPL 2025 and that he should have been more relaxed [1][2][3][4]. Feeling good, in a good rhythm, and the ball coming nicely out of his hand after his return, Rashid expressed his satisfaction with his current form [1][2][3][4].
In conclusion, Rashid Khan's struggles during IPL 2025 taught him valuable lessons about the importance of proper rehabilitation, rest, and relaxation. His performance in The Hundred 2025 and other formats since then indicates that he has learned from these lessons and is well on his way to regaining his form ahead of upcoming tournaments.
[1] The Indian Express
[2] ESPNcricinfo
[3] Cricbuzz
[4] Hindustan Times
Rashid Khan, despite facing difficulties in the sports arena during IPL 2025, has managed to bounce back and demonstrate improved form in other leagues such as The Hundred 2025. His positive approach towards the economy of his bowling is indicative of his dedication to excel in sports and the economy.
