New Delhi, April 9 Rashid Khan believes he has finally regained the rhythm that eluded him following his back surgery in 2023.
An undisputed great of the shortest format, Rashid went through a horror last season when he took just nine wickets in 15 games for Gujarat Titans. This was after an equally underwhelming 2024 run during which he struggled for rhythm post the surgery.
He also had to contend with doubts in his mind. The constant thought was, what if he pushes himself too hard and ends up hurting his back again?
With a standout performance on Wednesday night against Delhi Capitals, Rashid made a strong statement. He challenged the batsmen on both sides and took three crucial wickets of Nitish Rana, Sameer Rizvi, and opposition captain Axar Patel to bring his team back into the contest, which they eventually won by a solitary run.
The googly against DC's in-form batter Rizvi was particularly satisfying for Rashid, who ended with impressive figures of three for 17 in four overs in a game in which both teams crossed the 200-run mark.
In a media interaction after the one-run win over Delhi Capitals, Rashid was expectedly asked about the dismal last season and the effort he put in to get back to his best.
"Don't remind me, it was a very bad season (2025)," Rashid said after his team's one-run win. "But if you have a bad season, it doesn't mean you're finished. It's just about your line and length."
"I feel like that's something I missed last year. And this year, I was just focusing on not overthinking," he admitted.
"It's a fresh year, and I gave myself a couple of months after the last IPL, focusing on my fitness. I felt like I was struggling a little with my back after the surgery. And I think when I had three good months, I had a good performance in The Hundred in the UK.
"But more importantly, I try my best to just focus on my fitness and my core strength. That allows my body to bowl with the full rhythm," added Rashid.
The Afghan superstar believes that variations are not necessary. He believes that if bowled correctly, his googly, flipper, and leg break are enough to keep the batsmen guessing.
"What more can you add?" asked the iconic all-rounder. "I bowl consistently, whether it's left-arm spin, wrong 'un, or a flipper. But hitting the right areas is challenging for me. And I'm always trying to improve and do better."
Rashid had pushed himself to the limit to play the 2023 ODI World Cup, ignoring the doctor's advice. He struggled to even walk after the ICC event in India and eventually underwent surgery. This is precisely why he was cautious upon his return.
"After the surgery, when I came back, I was very careful with my back. And that, I think, affected my bowling action and release. So, I was trying to be cautious," he said.
"I missed my rhythm a bit. You know, I was trying to slow down for two to three months, four months.
"And what was preventing me from pushing harder was the pain in my back. I was scared about what would happen if I pushed myself again. So, I focused on strengthening my core. And I tried my best to make it as strong as possible. And then, I just tried to maintain my energy," he recollected.
Not hopeful about red ball future
===================
He is fit to bowl again, but Rashid said it would be difficult to play Test cricket going forward.
"Red ball cricket is something which is a bit difficult for me," he said. "Yes, I can take one Test match a year, but I don't think I can play more than that."