‘I did a bit of mistake to restart’- Rashid Khan Opens Up About Returning to Cricket After Back Surgery

Afghanistan’s star leg-spinner Rashid Khan has acknowledged that he rushed his return to competitive cricket following his back surgery. The operation took place soon after the conclusion of the 2023 ODI World Cup.

Rashid admitted that his eagerness to get back on the field led to an early comeback, which he now feels was not the best decision for his recovery. The quick return, he noted, may have impacted his overall fitness and performance.

Reflecting on the experience, Rashid emphasized the importance of giving the body enough time to heal after an injury. He mentioned that the desire to contribute to his team often overpowered the need for proper rest, but this has taught him a valuable lesson in patience and health management. He is now focused on a careful approach to ensure full fitness before committing to future matches.

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Rashid Talked About His Regret Regarding a Decision:

Following a challenging IPL 2025 with Gujarat Titans, Rashid Khan stepped away from cricket for two months to recuperate. He made a strong comeback, delivering a brilliant 3/11 to help defending champions Oval Invincibles defeat London Spirit in their opening match of The Hundred at Lord’s.

As per ESPNCricinfo, Rashid said, “ After IPL, I needed the kind of break where my body gets back to normal. I worked a little bit on my strength. And especially coming back from back surgery, I hadn't had much time to rehab properly. That's where I did a bit of mistake to restart my cricket so quickly at that time.”

He added, “ And I feel like I didn't let myself properly recover, and I pushed it a little bit at that time, and I can see the disadvantage of that now. But after IPL (2025), I felt like I needed that kind of two months off where I can just focus on my fitness.”

Rashid Khan guided Afghanistan to the semi-finals of the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup before back and hamstring injuries sidelined him from the BBL and PSL. He made his return in January 2025 during the second Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, claiming an impressive 11 wickets to earn the Player of the Match award. 

However, the demanding performance took a toll on his body, affecting his form in the subsequent Champions Trophy and IPL 2025, where his campaigns fell short of expectations.

He further said, “ When I came back to cricket after surgery, I was told not to rush back in the longer formats (Tests and ODIs) that quickly as that was not going to help me. About eight to nine months after I had started to play post surgery, I bowled 65 (55) overs in the Bulawayo Test. That really pushed my back a little bit, and I felt it at that time. I shouldn't have been in whites (to play Tests).”

He added, “ In T20s, it's fine - you can manage yourself - but for the longer formats, I was advised that you should be away from that format for some time. That is the kind of mistake I have made. But the team needed that. At that time, we had lost a few games in Test cricket, but that's something where I rushed myself a little bit, and I didn't give myself time and I felt it later on.”

Rashid Khan on Taking Break After IPL:

Following the conclusion of IPL 2025, Rashid Khan pulled out of the MLC in the USA, where he was set to play for MI New York, to prioritise his recovery. He focused on strengthening his lower back through dedicated gym sessions.

Alongside his fitness work, Rashid practiced spot bowling two to three times a week and added some batting drills to his routine. Away from cricket, the leg-spinner, who tied the knot in October last year, enjoyed a peaceful break, spending quality time with his family and recharging mentally before planning his next competitive return.

He said, “ After IPL finished, for three weeks, I didn't touch the ball. I spent most of my time with my family, (and) my nephews - going around with them, (and) had fun - just to take all those memories and stuff and bad days out of my mind, and then restart with the cricket. That's what I did just to be refreshed, and then got back on track and got back bowling in the right spot.”