Champion Rashid Khan doesn't need to reinvent to find form: GT assistant coach
GT assistant coach Vijay Dahiya claimed that a champion bowler like Rashid Khan doesn't need to reinvent himself to regain his form. Rashid has shown signs of form during GT's win over DC in the IPL 2026.
Gujarat Titans assistant coach Vijay Dahiya has defended Rashid Khan’s recent performances in the IPL, stating the Afghan spinner does not need to find form after a quiet period. Rashid was instrumental in Gujarat Titans’ title win in 2022 and their run to the final in 2023, taking 19 wickets in 2022 and 27 in 2023.
Since undergoing back surgery in 2024, Rashid's impact has lessened. He claimed 10 wickets in 12 matches in IPL 2024 and 9 wickets in 15 matches in 2025. However, he showed signs of returning to form in Gujarat’s recent win over Delhi Capitals, where he took three wickets for 17 runs in four overs.
Ahead of Gujarat’s clash against Lucknow Super Giants in Lucknow, Dahiya praised Rashid as a champion bowler and highlighted his consistent performances across global leagues. He emphasised that players of Rashid’s calibre do not need to constantly reinvent their game.
“Players like Rashid don't need to add new things in their game. When you have been playing for so long, it is not easy. Rashid is a champion bowler,” Dahiya said before the match against Lucknow Super Giants.
He added, “He has performed in every country, every league, all conditions. So your expectations become such that if he has an ordinary season, people feel he has not done well.”
Rashid has taken 707 wickets in 522 T20 matches throughout his career, maintaining an average of 18.47 and an economy rate of 6.59. These numbers reflect his sustained excellence in the shortest format.
'RASHID ALWAYS GIVES HIS 100 PERCENT'
Dahiya also noted Rashid’s commitment on the field, stating the spinner always gives his full effort in all aspects of the game.
“Rashid always gives his 100 percent, be it with the ball, bat or on the field,” said Dahiya.
Gujarat Titans will enter their match against Lucknow Super Giants buoyed by a narrow one-run victory over Delhi Capitals in their previous game.
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