In a thrilling encounter at the Wankhede Stadium, Gujarat Titans' premier spinner Rashid Khan showcased signs of his former brilliance, despite still feeling like he's operating at only 75 to 80 percent of his full capacity. This performance came during the IPL 2025 match against the Mumbai Indians on May 6, where Rashid returned impressive bowling figures of 1 for 21 in his full quota of four overs.
Rashid, who underwent back surgery following the ODI World Cup 2023, made his return to competitive cricket in May 2024. However, the 26-year-old has faced challenges in regaining his rhythm throughout the ongoing IPL season. With only eight wickets from 11 matches, his early performances in IPL 2025 were far from what fans and analysts have come to expect from one of the best spinners in the T20 format.
After the match, Rashid reflected on his journey back to form, stating, "Yeah, it feels like I am slowly getting there. You can say 70-75% at this stage. I am becoming more effective now. I have missed my length quite a number of times and that's why I have conceded so many runs. I wanted to bowl at the right areas today and that's what I had in my mind." His admission highlights the difficulties he faced during the rehabilitation period, where he struggled to bowl in full rhythm for three to four months.
During the match, Rashid's standout moment came when he dismissed Will Jacks, who had been threatening with a solid 53 runs. The wicket was crucial, as it came at a time when the Mumbai Indians were looking to build momentum. Rashid's ability to lure Jacks into a false shot underscored his skill, even as he continues to work through his recovery.
Rashid's performance was not only a personal triumph but also a critical component of the Titans' overall strategy. The team managed to restrict Mumbai Indians to a total of 155 runs, thanks in part to Rashid's tight lines and the effective bowling of his teammate Sai Kishore. Rashid praised Kishore's contributions, noting, "You need to hit the right areas as a spinner. The way Sai bowled his spell and took two wickets. It was good." Kishore's scalps included the dangerous Suryakumar Yadav and MI's captain, Hardik Pandya, which significantly hampered the hosts' chances of a strong comeback.
Despite the challenges he has faced this season, Rashid's confidence is beginning to shine through. He mentioned that the hardest part of his recovery was adjusting to a new follow-through and landing after surgery. "In that period of time, you just get used to it in terms of follow-through and landing. It's taking time for me but I am getting there," he explained.
As the IPL 2025 season continues, Rashid is focused on regaining his full form. He stated, "Getting back…I feel I am 80% there. I do analyse myself a lot. Just about taking that (surgery) out of my mind and bowl how I was bowling before that." This determination is indicative of his competitive spirit and desire to return to the top of his game.
Looking ahead, Rashid emphasized the need for his teammates to step up in the upcoming matches. He remarked, "We need to play good cricket, like we have been so far, and make sure whoever goes in there takes responsibility (and finishes the job)." This call to action reflects the collaborative effort required for the Titans to succeed in the highly competitive IPL.
In summary, Rashid Khan's journey back from injury is a testament to his resilience and dedication. While he may not yet be at his peak, his recent performance against the Mumbai Indians suggests that he is well on his way to reclaiming the form that has made him a standout player in the IPL. As the season progresses, fans will be eager to see how Rashid continues to develop and contribute to the Gujarat Titans' campaign.
