Top Afghan bowler, Rashid Khan, won’t play in the upcoming three-match T20I series against India. An ongoing lower-back problem is the cause. This news was confirmed by captain Ibrahim Zadran at the Mohali pre-series press meeting on Wednesday, January 10.
In November 2023, Rashid Khan had surgery. This put him out of the game series against UAE and Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL). His SAT20 team, Mumbai Indians Cape, are ready to play without him for the season. They’ve already announced Kieron Pollard as their captain.
“He is not totally fit, but is traveling with the team. We hope that he gets fit as soon as we expect him to. He’s doing his rehab with the doctor, and we will miss him in the series.”
Ibrahim Zadran
Ibrahim Zadran Added:
“Without Rashid, there are a few players that we have trust in. I can say, they will play good cricket. Others have also played a lot of cricket and I am sure they will perform well. Without Rashid, we will struggle because his experience is crucial to all of us, but this is cricket and you need to be ready for any kind of situation.”
Ibrahim Zadran
Although Rashid Khan bowled a few times during Afghanistan’s Tuesday net sessions, reports from Mohali suggest that he did not bat or engage in any high-intensity conditioning.
“Afghanistan will have a good series against India” – Ibrahim Zadran
Ibrahim Zadran seems upbeat about the series against India, the best T20I team in the world, even with Rashid Khan out of the picture.
“Playing against India on their home soil is a difficult task, but we came here to play well against them and show our skills. We have lots of good T20 players, all our boys are playing good cricket, so I am sure they will play well. We will have a good series against India.”
Ibrahim Zadran
On Thursday, the opening match will start at 7:00 p.m. IST.
