Rashid Khan Questions Participation in Upcoming Test Against India Due to Red-Ball Concerns
Synopsis
Afghanistan's Rashid Khan raises alarms about his participation in the one-off Test against India. His worries stem from the intense demands of red-ball cricket, which could potentially threaten his long-term career. Find out more about his concerns and future plans.
Key Takeaways
Rashid Khan expresses doubts about playing in the Test against India .
Concerns about red-ball cricket affecting his long-term career.
Limited red-ball participation post-surgery.
Focus on maintaining a sustainable cricket career.
Plans to prioritize ODI format moving forward.
New Delhi, April 9 (NationPress) Afghanistan's star leg-spinner Rashid Khan, who is currently playing for Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026, has expressed uncertainty regarding his availability for the upcoming one-off Test against India in June. He voiced concerns that the rigorous demands of red-ball cricket might jeopardize his long-term career prospects.
Following the conclusion of IPL 2026, Afghanistan is set to face India in a one-off Test in New Chandigarh from June 6-10. Since their inaugural Test against India in 2018, Afghanistan has participated in 12 Tests, while Rashid, boasting 45 wickets in this format, has only played six, the last being against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo in January 2025.
His participation in red-ball matches has been limited due to a back surgery he underwent after the 2023 ODI World Cup. “I have played a Test before (against India in 2018 in Bengaluru). I plan to take a cautious approach. Just think about the repercussions if my back gets injured during a Test match. Playing 100 Tests is unrealistic for me. If I play just one Test a year, that won’t extend my career significantly!”
“Red-ball cricket presents challenges, and my doctor explicitly advised me to avoid it. I still chose to compete. After my surgery, I managed to bowl 67 overs in a match against Zimbabwe, which was excessive. The doctor warned that if I wished to continue playing cricket, I should refrain from red-ball matches,” Rashid stated during the post-match press conference after GT narrowly defeated DC.
Rashid emphasized his dedication to ODIs, a format he enjoys and believes he can play for an extended period. However, he acknowledged that his involvement in red-ball cricket may need to be restricted. “I enjoy playing ODI cricket and feel fit enough to represent Afghanistan in that format for years to come. Nonetheless, I need to be mindful of my workload to ensure a sustainable career,” he added.
“Red-ball cricket seems quite demanding for me. If it's just one Test per year, I can manage that, but I doubt I can handle more. Should I bowl a spell of 20–25 overs, it would require me to bowl all day if selected. In my last two Test matches, I bowled a total of 167 overs, which is simply too much. I will prioritize my health and prepare for the upcoming World Cup,” he concluded.
Point of View
I find Rashid Khan's considerations regarding his red-ball cricket participation both prudent and revealing. His focus on long-term health is commendable, reflecting a broader trend where athletes must balance competitive spirit with career sustainability. This insight into his choices emphasizes the need for sportspersons to prioritize their well-being.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Rashid Khan doubtful about playing the Test against India?
Rashid Khan is concerned that the physical demands of red-ball cricket may jeopardize his long-term career, especially after undergoing back surgery.
How many Tests has Rashid Khan played for Afghanistan?
Rashid Khan has played in six Tests for Afghanistan since their debut against India in 2018.
What did Rashid Khan say about his red-ball cricket participation?
He mentioned that his doctor advised him to stay away from red-ball cricket due to the risks it poses to his back, and he expressed the need for caution.
What format of cricket does Rashid Khan prefer?
Rashid Khan enjoys ODI cricket and believes he can play it for a longer duration compared to red-ball matches.
When is the one-off Test against India scheduled?
The one-off Test against India is set to take place in New Chandigarh from June 6 to June 10.
