- May 23, 2025
There was a time when Rashid Khan’s run-up would make batters want to flee. It wasn’t just his vicious googlies; the fact is, he was one of the best T20 spin bowlers on the planet, and the accuracy paired with his belief made him incredibly intimidating. Now, fast forward to the latest IPL season, and something just doesn’t seem right. Two overs, 36 runs – in case you’re wondering, that is correct. What is going on with one of the most bankable bowlers in IPL? Is it a slump, or is there something more? Let’s take a closer look.
Late to the Party: Rashid’s Delayed Entry Raises Eyebrows
In a recent game, I noticed during our show that fans and commentators alike were making the same assertion about Rashid Khan. People were wondering why he was brought into the match so late, and he’s generally the guy you bring on when you’re desperate for a wicket (and yet they had been holding him back until presumably now). This didn’t feel tactical; it felt like indecision to me. Couldn’t this just as easily be pointing out that maybe the bowler’s confidence is gone?
Tom Moody, in post-match comments, suggested that the decision by the captain to delay the introduction of Rashid into the bowling rotation reflects an intuitive change in tactic, but reflects perhaps a lack of confidence as well. You can’t have it both ways; if you are the captain and don’t have confidence in your go-to guy when it counts, you create an element of risk. Also, he bowled 2 overs and went for 36; that would have you seeing flashing red lights.
Body Language Doesn’t Lie: The Impact of Injury and Mechanics
Rashid had back surgery not long ago, and it’s no surprise that a surgery like that not only affects your body, but it also affects your groove. Spinners use a lot of core and flexibility, and in the case of Rashid, he uses a lot of lateral flexion (that twisty movement to deliver his deceptive googlies).
What’s the problem with it now? The magical googly doesn’t appear to zip off pitches like it used to. The fizz is gone. Batters have picked him easier than they ever should, and that’s saying something for a man who built his reputation on baffling them. The action looks slightly more measured, as if he’s hesitating beforehand, or in the bowling explosion equivalent of second-guessing the punch mid-swing.
Sai Kishore Steps Up: Is Rashid No Longer the First Choice?
A final subtle but revealing sign of Rashid’s status is team selection. In a match where Rashid was probably favored to play, Kishore was given the priority. To be clear, this isn’t to demean Kishore – he is a crafty left-arm spinner – but historically speaking, Rashid is the ace.
The implication is that although Rashid is still a superstar in name, he is no longer the star. This is a huge change. Once, his presence alone was likely enough to perform psychological terror on a batting lineup; now we see that effect slip away. Opposing teams do not appear to be playing Rashid out anymore. They are targeting him. And when that starts to happen to a bowler like Rashid, that makes a statement.
So, what is going on with Rashid Khan? It is a combination of post-injury rustiness, loss of rhythm, and perhaps even a knock to his – and his captain’s – confidence. It is always easy to overlook a few bad matches, but the indications we are seeing here are more serious and systemic.
What do you think – is this purely transitional or does Rashid’s dominance face a threat? Let us know in the comments!
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