- August 11, 2025
If you have been keeping an eye on Rashid Khan’s journey for the last couple of IPL seasons, you would have seen a slight difference in his performance. The leg-spin magician who had no problems confusing batsmen seemingly was not as sharp, so what was wrong? More importantly, how did a timely break cause him to ‘bounce’ back more effectively than ever? Let’s tell the story of Rashid’s return to form and how sometimes taking a step back is just what you need to move forward.
When Pushing Too Hard Backfires
Shortly after the 2023 World Cup, Rashid struggled as he recovered from a back surgery. Most athletes likely would have taken time off after such a serious operation; unfortunately for Rashid, he was straight back to action. He wanted to help his teams, and unfortunately, this meant he was ignoring doctors’ orders about proper rehab and continuing too soon after surgery. Rashid jumped straight into the IPL, T20 World Cup, and other formats without ensuring his body was able to rest like it needed to.
The result? Two tough IPL seasons in which Rashid’s pace and accuracy (both previously his hallmark skills) diminished. His economy rate increased, and batters had an easier time attacking him after smashing an IPL record 33 sixes in the 2025 season.
This reinforces a lesson that many of us athletes (and let’s be real, all of us) can relate to – it can be unproductive to not only overdo it without taking adequate rest, but it can set you back. Rashid was bowling 15-16 overs of cricket every practice, trying to tough it out and grind back into form, and his body simply could not handle it.
The Power of Pressing Pause
Acknowledging this, Rashid made a real commitment to himself—he took a two-month sabbatical after IPL 2025, solely to rehabilitate and work on his overall fitness. He not only worked on his bowling, but he also worked on strengthening his lower back, did some spot bowling, and even allowed himself some mental rest with family and friends. For someone who has always been his own worst enemy, this was a really important milestone.
When Rashid returned to competitive cricket with the Hundred 2025, the difference was striking. On the sluggish Lord’s surface, he bowled at a comfortable pace of 94-98 kph, controlling the ball beautifully and picking up a match-winning 3 for 11. This pace was right in his comfort zone, unlike the depleted speed that had plagued his previous IPL seasons.
A Lesson in Patience and Self-Care
Rashid’s experience isn’t simply a story about cricket. It’s a symbol that the finest players and athletes also have to heed the call of their body and mind when it is demanding rest. A competitor trying to jump back into the competitive arena too soon will sustain an injury or burnout.
Another vital element was how Rashid was able to process his mindset. During challenging times, he deliberately chose not to allow the discomfort of poor form to infect him. He considered the bad days as simply part of the process. All of his positivity, the recovery, and the effort and energy he put into handling his mind were part of his successful return.
What do you think- could taking a break be the secret ingredient for an athlete struggling with form? Or is it only talent and hard work? Let’s discuss it in the comments!
