Rashid Khan likely to skip one off India test, prioritises 2027 Cricket World Cup

Afghanistan star all-rounder Rashid Khan has hinted that he may skip the upcoming one-off Test against India, scheduled for June 2026 in Mullanpur, as he continues to manage his workload following back surgery.

The 27-year-old, who underwent lower-back surgery after the 2023 ODI World Cup, revealed that doctors have advised him to stay away from red-ball cricket. While the opportunity to play a Test in India is appealing, Rashid made it clear that his long-term fitness and availability for the 2027 ODI World Cup remain his top priorities.

Doctor’s Advice and Workload Management

Rashid admitted that playing Test cricket poses a significant risk to his recovery.

“It’s a very tough question. The first thing the doctor told me was to stay away from red-ball cricket,” he said after Gujarat Titans’ win over Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026.

Despite medical advice, Rashid did feature in a Test against Zimbabwe last year, where he bowled 54 overs and claimed 11 wickets, highlighting both his importance to Afghanistan and the physical demands of the format.

Focus on White-Ball Cricket

The leg-spinner emphasised that he is more comfortable continuing in white-ball formats, particularly ODIs. “I enjoy ODIs and I’m in a good shape to play them for a longer period. But I need to manage my workload carefully if I want a long career,” he added.

With Afghanistan’s limited Test schedule, just 12 matches since gaining Test status in 2017, Rashid suggested that prioritising longevity over sporadic appearances in the longest format makes more sense.

When asked about the upcoming Test against India, Rashid remained cautious and non-committal. “I will take it easy and focus on preparing for the World Cup. If something happens to my back in that Test, it could affect my career,” he said.

India vs Afghanistan Test Details

India are set to host Afghanistan for a one-off Test from June 6 to June 10, 2026, at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh. The match will kick off Afghanistan’s multi-format tour of India but is not part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.