New Delhi: Star Afghanistan all-rounder Rashid Khan has said that he might not feature in the one-off Test match against India in Mullanpur in June. Rashid was speaking to the media after Gujarat Titan’s thrilling one-run win against Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026 on Thursday.
As advised by the doctors to stay away from red-ball cricket after his back surgery, Rashid said that his priority remains to stay fit and healthy for the ODI World Cup 2027.
The next edition of the 50-over World Cup will be played next year in the October-November window in South Africa and though the prospect of playing a Test match in India is very exciting, still the Afghanistan player does not want to take any chances as far as the marquee 50-over global event is concerned.
What went wrong with Rashid’s back?
The 27-year-old, who is considered one of the best all-rounders in world cricket, underwent a lower-back surgery after the ODI World Cup 2023 as he was finding it hard to give his best during the global event in India. He revealed that the doctors have cautioned his against playing the longest format of the sport and despite the warning, he still featured in a Test match against Zimbabwe last year.
Rashid did well in the game bowling 54 overs and claiming as many as 11 wickets but does not want to take further chances.
‘Very tough question. It’s a little difficult in red ball, because that was the first thing which was told to me by the doctor, ‘You have to stay away from red ball.’ But I still played a Test against Zimbabwe,’ Rashid told reporters after starring in Gujarat Titan’s IPL win.
‘The doctor said ‘if you don’t want to play cricket, you keep playing the red ball format’,’ he said.
Since Afghanistan gained Test status in 2017, they have played 12 matches, with Rashid featuring in only six. When reminded of the game against India post the IPL, Rashid remained non-committal saying that he has played one before in 2025 and now will focus on the World Cup.