Afghanistan star spinner Rashid Khan may miss the one-off Test match against India scheduled for June after IPL 2026. The leg-spinner said that he is following medical advice and may avoid red-ball cricket to protect his long-term fitness.
Rashid explained that his doctor has suggested staying away from the longer format so he can manage his workload and extend his cricket career.
Doctor’s Advice Could Keep Rashid Out of Test Match
Rashid Khan shared this update after Gujarat Titans’ win in IPL 2026. He revealed that medical experts have advised him not to play red-ball cricket because it puts more stress on the body.
Because of this advice, it is unlikely that he will participate in the one-off Test between India and Afghanistan.
Rashid last played a Test match in 2025 when Afghanistan faced Zimbabwe. In that match he delivered an outstanding performance, taking 11 wickets and bowling 54 overs.
Since then he has focused mainly on white-ball cricket and franchise leagues, including his participation with Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026.
Rashid Khan’s Long-Term Career Plan
Rashid said that maintaining his fitness for the long term is now his top priority. He believes managing his workload will help him play international cricket for many more years.
His current focus is on ODI and T20 cricket, where he continues to play an important role for Afghanistan.
The spinner also mentioned that the 2027 Cricket World Cup is one of his major goals. Because of this, he wants to avoid formats that could increase injury risk or physical strain.
Rashid Khan’s International Career Stats
Rashid Khan has been one of Afghanistan’s most successful bowlers across formats. His records in international cricket show his impact, especially in limited-overs formats.
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 6 | 45 | 20.44 | 2.96 |
| ODIs | 117 | 210 | 19.65 | 4.20 |
| T20Is | 115 | 193 | 13.73 | 6.04 |
These numbers highlight Rashid’s importance to Afghanistan’s bowling attack, particularly in ODIs and T20Is where he has consistently delivered match-winning performances.
Although Rashid Khan has performed well in Test cricket, his recent comments suggest that he may reduce his involvement in the longest format.
By focusing on ODIs and T20Is, he hopes to maintain peak fitness and continue contributing to Afghanistan’s success in international tournaments.
For now, fans may not see Rashid in the India vs Afghanistan one-off Test in June, but he remains a key player in Afghanistan’s white-ball plans as the team prepares for future global tournaments.
