(Image courtesy – The Asian Age)
After a prolonged absence from competitive cricket due to back surgery, Afghanistan’s dynamic skipper Rashid Khan is set to make a triumphant return in the upcoming three-match T20I series against Ireland. The leg-spinning all-rounder, whose absence was keenly felt by fans and teammates alike, is poised to once again don the national jersey and showcase his formidable skills on the field.
Rashid’s journey back to the cricketing arena has been a test of both physical endurance and mental fortitude. Following his last appearance at the 50-over World Cup in November last year, where Afghanistan’s campaign ended prematurely, Rashid embarked on a challenging rehabilitation process to address a lingering back injury. Despite the advice of medical professionals to undergo surgery prior to the World Cup, Rashid opted to postpone the procedure, driven by his commitment to represent his country on the global stage.
(Image courtesy – Bbsr One)
In a recent interview with the Afghanistan Cricket Board, Rashid opened up about the arduous journey of recovery he has undertaken in the past few months. “The last three months were difficult because I had surgery. I had been suffering from a back injury for the last seven to eight months and the doctor had asked me to have surgery even before the World Cup but I decided to play the World Cup and have surgery afterwards because it was such an important event for us,” Rashid revealed.
The aftermath of the surgery proved to be a formidable challenge for Rashid, as he grappled with the slow and painstaking process of rehabilitation. “It was indeed very tough because undergoing surgery and then going through the recovery process is not easy… you need to focus on everything and you need to take care of your rehab and your training,” he reflected.
(Image courtesy – The Indian express)
However, Rashid’s indomitable spirit and unwavering determination propelled him forward, driving him to push through the pain and uncertainty. “Alhamdulillah I am back on the field and feeling well now and now my focus is on returning to the field and bringing joy and success to the nation,” he remarked, expressing gratitude for his recovery and determination to excel once again.
As he gears up for his much-anticipated return to competitive cricket, Rashid is keenly aware of the challenges that lie ahead. With Afghanistan currently leading the ongoing three-match ODI series against Ireland, Rashid is poised to lead his team to further success in the upcoming T20Is scheduled in Sharjah on March 15, 17, and 18.
(Image courtesy – Arab News)
“The plan is to represent the country in the upcoming series (T20 against Ireland) and the training has been underway… I hope that the following few days will also be well so that I can wear the national jersey again and continue to do well for my country,” Rashid affirmed, exuding confidence in his abilities and readiness to take on the mantle of leadership once more.
Looking ahead, Rashid emphasizes the importance of the next few months in shaping Afghanistan’s cricketing future. With limited opportunities for competitive matches before the World Cup, Rashid stresses the significance of learning from each game and honing their skills during the preparatory period. Additionally, Rashid highlights the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) as a crucial platform for fine-tuning their abilities and gaining invaluable experience ahead of the global event.
As Rashid Khan prepares to make his long-awaited comeback to the cricketing arena, fans and admirers eagerly anticipate witnessing his mesmerizing performances once again. With his talent, determination, and unwavering commitment to his team and country, Rashid embodies the resilience and spirit of Afghan cricket, inspiring a new generation of players to strive for excellence on and off the field.