In a blow to the Gujarat Titans and the Afghanistan national cricket team, star spinner Rashid Khan has been ruled out of the first two One Day Internationals (ODIs) against Sri Lanka due to a lower-back injury. The Afghanistan Cricket Board has confirmed that Rashid will remain under close medical observation and is expected to make a comeback for the final ODI on June 7.
With the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 scheduled to take place in India, Rashid’s return from injury is a must.
Rashid Khan, known for his exceptional spin bowling skills, has been a key player for both his IPL team, the Gujarat Titans, and the Afghanistan national team. His absence will undoubtedly be felt in the upcoming series against Sri Lanka, which is set to kick off on June 2. The second ODI will take place just two days later at the same venue.
Rashid Khan’s injury comes just days after the Gujarat Titans suffered a defeat in the Indian Premier League (IPL) final against the Chennai Super Kings. Despite his team’s loss, Rashid performed exceptionally well throughout the tournament and finished as the joint second-highest wicket-taker with 27 wickets to his name. His consistent and impactful performances played a vital role in the Titans’ journey to the final.
With Rashid Khan sidelined, the spin department of the Gujarat Titans and the Afghanistan national team will need to rely on other talented bowlers to fill the void. Players like Mohammad Nabi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Noor Ahmad will now have to shoulder additional responsibility in the absence of their experienced teammate.
Noor Ahmad, a young and promising spinner, also represented the Gujarat Titans in the IPL. He had an impressive run in the tournament, claiming 16 wickets from 13 matches at an economy rate of 7.82. Although he has limited international experience, having played only one ODI and one T20I for Afghanistan, Noor Ahmad has showcased great potential and could prove to be a valuable asset in the upcoming matches against Sri Lanka.
For Afghanistan, the series against Sri Lanka holds significant importance as they aim to use it as a platform to fine-tune their preparations for the upcoming ODI World Cup. Having secured direct qualification for the tournament, Afghanistan will be keen to make the most of this series and further strengthen their squad. Led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, the team will be looking to overcome Rashid’s absence and put on a strong performance against Sri Lanka. A quick return of Rashid Khan will certainly help Afghanistan in the World Cup year.
On the other hand, Sri Lanka will view this series as an opportunity to fine-tune their skills and build momentum ahead of the Qualifier tournament in Zimbabwe, scheduled to begin on June 18. With both teams eyeing specific goals, the series promises to be an exciting contest between two competitive sides.
As fans eagerly await Rashid Khan’s return to the field, his absence will certainly be felt in the early stages of the ODI series against Sri Lanka. The Gujarat Titans and the Afghanistan national team will need to adjust their strategies and rely on their other talented players to step up and deliver match-winning performances. The stage is set for an intriguing battle between bat and ball as both teams strive to make their mark in the international cricket arena.
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