Rashid Khan Says Returning Too Soon Was a Huge Mistake when he reflects on his recent struggles, admitting with full honesty that coming back too early after back surgery was a “huge mistake” that disrupted his rhythm and consistency throughout IPL 2025 with the Gujarat Titans.
Back Injury That Changed His Season
The rashid khan back injury required surgery and a longer recovery than expected, but he returned after just two months, before regaining full strength and stability needed for elite bowling.
That decision later proved costly for both rhythm and performance.
Why the Early Return Was a Huge Mistake
Rashid admits the timing was wrong.
His control, variations, and consistency dropped noticeably, and the usual dominance in middle overs disappeared, showing how even a small physical limitation can affect elite T20 performance.
IPL 2025 Stats Drop After Injury
During IPL 2025, Rashid Khan finished with 15 matches and 9 wickets, a return that clearly reflected the impact of his back injury and the difficulties he faced in regaining full rhythm and control, with performances falling below his usual career standards for the Gujarat Titans.
Recovery and Rebuild
After the season, Rashid stopped rushing his comeback and focused on full rehabilitation, rebuilding strength and restoring his bowling rhythm.
This phase was crucial in bringing him back to peak condition.
IPL 2026 Comeback With Gujarat Titans
In IPL 2026, Rashid Khan rediscovered his peak level for the Gujarat Titans, producing consistent match winning spells in the middle overs, with improved control and rhythm that strongly contrast his injury hit IPL 2025 season.
Rashid Khan Says Returning Too Soon Was a Huge Mistake, with Improved Stats in 2026
So far in IPL 2026, Rashid Khan has produced 11 matches and 15 wickets, marking a clear return to top-level performance after a difficult period caused by injury.
His improvement this season contrasts sharply with his struggles in IPL 2025, which he later attributed to a premature comeback following back surgery.
Overall, his journey highlights how the timing of recovery can have a greater impact on performance than ability alone in elite sport.
