Rashid Khan, the Afghan spin sensation, emerged as the hero for the Gujarat Titans in their nail-biting 3-wicket victory over the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. However, his stellar performance came after overcoming a recent hurdle – a minor lower-back surgery that impacted his control over the ball.
Surgery and Loss of Grip: A Hurdle Overcome
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Rashid Khan shed light on the difficulties he faced following the surgery, which took place in November 2023. “I haven’t bowled much in the last 3-4 months after the surgery,” he revealed, “and I just lost a bit of grip on the ball.”
Despite the initial struggle, Rashid Khan displayed remarkable resilience. He highlighted the importance of a dedicated practice session following the Titans’ previous match, which proved to be the turning point in his return to form. “I had a good session after the last game and it really helped me to get back to my best. I really enjoyed my bowling today,” he said.
Winning Takes Priority Over Bowling Figures
While his economical bowling spell of 1-18 was crucial in restricting the Royals’ total, Rashid Khan emphasized that the team’s victory held greater significance for him. “Winning the game is more pleasing for me,” he declared. “Happy that I landed the ball where I wanted today and that gave me energy with the bat as well maybe,” he added.
Rashid Khan’s all-around brilliance extended beyond his bowling. With the Titans needing 40 runs off the final 15 balls in a tense chase, Khan walked in and played a pivotal knock of 24 runs off just 11 deliveries. When asked about his batting approach, he stated, “It was just a matter of hitting 3-4 sixes and you need to stay positive.”
Khan’s fighting spirit and impactful performance on both ends of the field were instrumental in securing the Titans’ victory. His successful return to form after surgery is a welcome sign for the team, boosting their confidence as they navigate the remainder of the IPL season. The Gujarat Titans will undoubtedly be looking to Rashid Khan’s continued brilliance as they strive for a strong finish in the tournament.
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