Rashid Khan faces harsh Test reality

Rashid Khan’s Test career stands on precarious ground after doctors warned that continuing in the five‑day format could jeopardise his long‑term fitness. Following major spinal surgery in the UK, the Afghan talisman admitted his medical team delivered a blunt message: red‑ball cricket could “end” his career. His return to T20s in 2024 initially looked smooth, but recurring stiffness after franchise spells exposed the strain on his back, forcing him out of Tests.

As Afghanistan prepares for a landmark meeting with India in New Chandigarh, Rashid is expected to skip the Test and focus on the ODI series. He revealed he once bowled 67 overs post‑surgery, leaving doctors stunned. Now he concedes that one Test per year might be his limit, given he bowled 126 overs across his last two matches. With the 2027 ODI World Cup his priority, Rashid is prepared to sacrifice red‑ball prestige to preserve his white‑ball brilliance.