Why Rashid Khan is not playing IND vs AFG T20 Series? Check Details

Rashid Khan is back in the Afghanistan squad for the upcoming three T20Is starting January 11 in Mohali, although his participation remains uncertain.

Why Rashid Khan is not playing IND vs AFG T20 Series?

The star leg-spinner underwent lower-back surgery in the UK after Afghanistan’s ODI World Cup campaign, sidelining him from both the Big Bash League for Adelaide Strikers and the recent national team tour of the UAE.

Recovery from such an injury takes time, complicating Rashid’s swift return to the field. Despite his inclusion in the 19-member squad, Ibrahim Zadran, who led Afghanistan against the UAE, will continue as captain for the India T20Is, indicating Rashid’s probable absence from the XI.

“Rashid was present during the UAE matches, part of the reserves. So, his place in the XI for the India tour seems doubtful. He might feature in one of the three games only if he resumes full training,” mentioned a Afghanistan Cricket Board source.

Related Afghanistan Playing 11 for IND vs AFG 1st T20I

“As the regular T20I captain and with limited games before the T20 World Cup in June, Rashid wants to assess the team’s progress. He could skip the SA20 (for MI Cape Town) as well. It may so happen that he waits till the IPL begins (in March), which should help in his preparation for the T20 World Cup.”

Following the India series, Afghanistan heads to Sri Lanka for three T20Is and as many ODIs from January 23, where Rashid might also miss out due to ongoing recovery, as per the source.