Rashid Khan Doesn’t Need Reinvention to Find Form: GT Coach

Gujarat Titans assistant coach Vijay Dahiya has defended the recent form of Afghan spinner Rashid Khan, asserting that the bowler does not need to reinvent his game to regain his peak performance levels. The comments come as the team prepares for a match against the Lucknow Super Giants in Lucknow during the IPL 2026 season.

Dahiya described Rashid as a champion bowler and emphasized that players of his caliber and experience do not need to constantly add new elements to their skill set to be effective. According to Dahiya, Rashid’s extensive history of performing across various countries, leagues, and conditions means that expectations remain exceptionally high, often leading observers to view an ordinary season as a failure.

Recovery and Return to Form

Rashid Khan’s impact on the field has seen a decline since undergoing back surgery in 2024. This period of recovery was reflected in his statistics over the last two seasons, where he claimed 10 wickets in 12 matches during IPL 2024 and 9 wickets in 15 matches during IPL 2025.

However, the spinner has shown signs of a revival in the 2026 season. In a recent victory for the Gujarat Titans over the Delhi Capitals, Rashid delivered a significant performance, taking three wickets for 17 runs across four overs. Rashid has attributed this rediscovery of form to a return to basics following his surgery.

Career Performance and Impact

Rashid Khan has been a pivotal figure for the Gujarat Titans, playing a key role in the team’s title victory in 2022 and their progression to the final in 2023. During those two standout seasons, he recorded 19 wickets in 2022 and 27 wickets in 2023.

His broader T20 career reflects sustained excellence in the shortest format of the game. To date, Rashid has taken 707 wickets in 522 T20 matches, maintaining an average of 18.47 and an economy rate of 6.59.

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.

Vijay Dahiya, Gujarat Titans assistant coach

The support for the Afghan spinner has also come from other members of the coaching staff. In IPL 2025, GT coach Parthiv Patel defended Rashid’s contributions and stated that the spinner did not need to prove himself, responding to critiques regarding his wicket-taking ability during that season.

As the 2026 season progresses, the Gujarat Titans are looking to leverage Rashid’s experience and returning form as they face upcoming challenges in the tournament.