Rashid Khan Considers Skipping India Test to Manage Workload After Back Surgery
Afghanistan's star all-rounder Rashid Khan has indicated that he might opt out of the upcoming one-off Test match against India, scheduled for June 2026 in Mullanpur. This decision comes as he continues to carefully manage his workload following a significant lower-back surgery.
Medical Advice and Recovery Concerns
The 27-year-old cricketer underwent surgery after the 2023 ODI World Cup, and his doctors have strongly recommended that he avoid red-ball cricket to ensure a full recovery. Rashid revealed this advice after a recent IPL 2026 match, where his Gujarat Titans secured a victory over Delhi Capitals.
"It's a very tough question. The first thing the doctor told me was to stay away from red-ball cricket," Rashid stated, highlighting the risks involved. Despite this medical guidance, he did participate in a Test against Zimbabwe last year, bowling 54 overs and taking 11 wickets, which underscored both his critical role in the Afghan team and the intense physical demands of Test cricket.
Focus on White-Ball Formats and Long-Term Career
Rashid Khan emphasized his preference for continuing in white-ball formats, particularly One-Day Internationals (ODIs), where he feels more comfortable and capable of sustaining his performance over time. "I enjoy ODIs and I'm in a good shape to play them for a longer period. But I need to manage my workload carefully if I want a long career," he added.
With Afghanistan having played only 12 Test matches since gaining Test status in 2017, Rashid suggested that prioritizing his longevity in the sport makes more sense than risking his health for sporadic appearances in the longest format. When specifically asked about the Test against India, he remained cautious and non-committal.
"I will take it easy and focus on preparing for the World Cup. If something happens to my back in that Test, it could affect my career," Rashid explained, reiterating that his top priorities are maintaining fitness and ensuring availability for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Details of the India vs Afghanistan Test
India is set to host Afghanistan for a one-off Test from June 6 to June 10, 2026, at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh. This match will mark the beginning of Afghanistan's multi-format tour of India, although it is not included in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.
Rashid Khan's potential absence from this high-profile fixture underscores the ongoing challenges faced by modern cricketers in balancing intense schedules with personal health and career sustainability.
