Former India captain Anil Kumble expressed that IPL 2022 champions Gujarat Titans (GT) must diversify beyond leg-spinner Rashid Khan, whose impact has lessened. Despite boasting a strong bowling unit, Rashid struggled in the last season, managing only nine wickets at an average of 57.11 and an economy rate of 9.35. His performance was marred by conceding 33 sixes, the highest in a single IPL season.
Kumble emphasized the need for greater contributions from left-arm spinner R Sai Kishore, and off-spin all-rounders Washington Sundar and Rahul Tewatia for Gujarat Titans to stay competitive in IPL 2026. He noted that the novelty of Rashid Khan has diminished, with other similar bowlers available, reducing his intimidation factor. Kumble highlighted the importance of managing Rashid’s workload along with other bowlers like Sai Kishore, Washington Sundar, and Rahul Tewatia for the upcoming season.
Rashid Khan’s performance for GT in IPL 2024 was also modest, with 10 wickets in 12 matches at an average of 36.70 and an economy rate of 8.40. Rashid, who joined GT in 2022 after starting his IPL journey with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2017, played a crucial role in their debut season victory. He attributed his recent struggles in T20 cricket to a back surgery in 2023, undertaken after the Men’s ODI World Cup in India. Rashid returned to action quickly post-surgery, not allowing enough time for regaining his bowling rhythm and accuracy.
