From Afghanistan’s war-torn Nangarhar province to IPL superstardom—Rashid Khan’s journey as Gujarat Titans’ spin architect redefines T20 bowling. Follow BRG365 for more Rashid Khan IPL's cricketing tales!
Rashid Khan IPL: Spin Wizard Revolutionized GT’s Bowling Attack(BRG365)
Early Struggles In Rashid Khan IPL
Rashid Khan’s story begins in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, where he honed his craft playing tennis-ball cricket on dirt roads.
Discovered at 14 by local coaches, he moved to Kabul for formal training and made his international debut at 17 against Zimbabwe in 2015.
By 2018, he became Afghanistan’s youngest captain and the fastest bowler to 100 ODI wickets (44 matches).
His rise was meteoric, but his 2024 public criticism of the Taliban’s ban on women’s medical education highlighted his off-field activism.
Read More: Shubman Gill’s Hilarious Moments on and off the Field with GT
Rashid Khan IPL with SRH
In 2017, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) signed Rashid for ₹4 crore, a gamble that paid dividends.
His debut season saw 17 wickets at 21.05 economy, including a match-winning 3/19 against Kolkata Knight Riders.
Over five seasons with SRH, he averaged 20.76 with the ball and became a lower-order hitting threat (e.g., 34* off 10 balls in 2018).
His 2018 IPL campaign—21 wickets at 17.57—remains one of the greatest spin-bowling displays in league history.
Gujarat Titans: A New Dynasty
In 2022, Gujarat Titans (GT) secured Rashid for ₹15 crore, a record for a spinner. His impact was immediate:
2022 IPL: 19 wickets at 22.16 economy, including 1/18 in the final vs. Rajasthan Royals (RR). His calm demeanor under pressure, like his 40* off 21 balls in a 2022 win over Chennai Super Kings (CSK), defined GT’s title run.
2023 IPL: 27 wickets (including GT’s first hat-trick vs. Kolkata Knight Riders) and a stunning 79 off 32 balls* against Mumbai Indians (MI), showcasing his all-round brilliance.
Leadership Role: When Hardik Pandya was injured in 2022, Rashid stepped in as captain, guiding GT to a historic debut-season title.
His tactical acumen and ability to inspire teammates like Shubman Gill solidified his legacy.
Read More: Sai Sudharsan's Journey: From Local Talent to Gujarat Titans Star
Spin Wizard: Bowling Mastery
Rashid’s leg-spin and googly are a nightmare for batters. His unique one-legged delivery generates deceptive pace (often exceeding 90 km/h), while his mix of top-spinners and slower balls keeps opponents off balance. Key stats with GT:
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IPL Career (GT): 64 wickets at 23.44 economy (best figures: 4/24).
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T20I Career: 130 wickets at 14.80 economy (including 5/3 vs. Ireland in 2017).
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ICC Rankings: Held the No. 1 T20I bowler spot multiple times, named ICC T20I Player of the Decade (2011–2020).
All-Rounder Impact
Rashid’s value extends beyond bowling. In GT’s 2024 clash against RR, he scored 24 off 11 balls* to seal a last-ball win, combining it with 1/18. His lower-order hitting (SR: 145.23 in T20s) and athletic fielding (32 catches in T20Is) make him a complete package.
Overcoming Adversity
Injury Battles: A 2024 back injury sidelined him for months, but he returned stronger, leading Afghanistan to the 2024 T20 World Cup semifinals.
Cultural Barrier: As Afghanistan’s first global cricket star, he faced skepticism but silenced critics with performances like 7/18 vs. West Indies in 2017.
Charity Work: Founded the Rashid Khan Foundation to support education and healthcare for Afghan children, reflecting his humility off the field.
Read More: GT vs MI: Titans Steal Thrilling Last-Ball Win Amid Rain Chaos
Legacy at Rashid Khan IPL
Rashid’s role at GT transcends statistics. He mentors young bowlers like Noor Ahmad, fostering a culture of fearlessness.
His partnership with Hardik Pandya—evident in their shared Sehri meals during Ramadan —epitomizes GT’s unity.
Despite a dip in form in 2024 (10 wickets in 12 matches), his leadership and experience remain vital as GT rebuilds.
Rashid Khan IPL Performance with GT
|
Season |
Matches |
Batting |
Bowling |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
Runs (Avg/SR) |
Wickets (Avg/Econ) |
|
2022 |
16 |
91 (22.75/206.82) |
19 (22.16/6.60) |
|
2023 |
17 |
130 (32.50/216.67) |
27 (20.44/8.24) |
|
2024 |
12 |
102 (20.40/143.66) |
10 (36.70/8.40) |
|
Total |
45 |
323 (24.84/184.68) |
56 (23.44/7.42) |
Global Influence
Rashid’s success has elevated Afghanistan’s cricketing profile, inspiring players like Noor Ahmad.
In franchise cricket, he’s a sought-after asset, having played in leagues like the BBL, CPL, and The Hundred.
His 2024 public stance on women’s education further cemented his status as a global ambassador for social change.
Rashid Khan’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and leadership.
At Gujarat Titans, he transformed from a star bowler into a cultural icon, blending devastating spin with match-winning grit.
His legacy isn’t just about titles—it’s about redefining what a spinner can achieve in the modern game. As he once said, “Cricket is my passion, but inspiring others is my purpose.”
Also Read: The Story of Rashid Khan: Age, History Team, Stats and Records
