Rashid Khan will miss the three-match T20I series against India due to ongoing recovery from lower-back surgery. The Afghanistan captain, Ibrahim Zadran, confirmed Rashid’s lack of match fitness, but expressed hope for his speedy recovery. While acknowledging the importance of Rashid’s experience, Ibrahim also expressed confidence in the team’s ability to adapt to his absence.
Rashid has been out of competitive play since the ODI World Cup and was also absent from Afghanistan’s recent T20I series. In his absence, spin responsibilities will fall on Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mohammad Nabi, Noor Ahmad, Qais Ahmad, and Sharafuddin Ashraf. Qais, in particular, has stepped up as a leading wicket-taker in Rashid’s absence.
Ibrahim acknowledged the challenge of playing India on their home ground but remained optimistic about Afghanistan’s performance. The series is set to kick off on Thursday in Mohali, followed by matches in Indore and Bangalore on January 14 and 17.
