Hunger is very important in sports, it's difficult to perform without it: Rashid Khan

The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) face off against the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the 26th match of IPL 2025, set to take place at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. GT’s leg-spinner Rashid Khan, has had a quiet season so far and is still looking to regain his top form in IPL 2025. The 26-year-old spinner stressed the importance of hunger in sports and stated that focusing on the process, effort, and performance is more crucial than being fixated on the result.

“You know definitely hunger is very important. You know, in sports, wherever you are, you should have that. If you don’t have that hunger, then it’s difficult to perform there because the result comes at the end. If it comes at the end, then why think about it first? First, think about the thing that we start with. If you don’t have that hunger, then it’s difficult to perform there,” Rashid said in a video posted by IPL.

Also read: IPL 2025: Glenn Phillips leaves Gujarat Titans' camp

Hunger is like an addictive: Justin Langer

LSG head coach Justin Langer highlighted the importance of hunger in legendary players, referencing Brian Lara’s philosophy. The former Australian cricketer emphasised that top athletes possess an intense desire to succeed, they train harder, stay healthier, and constantly strive to improve. The former Australian coach added that this drive often becomes an addiction, one that pushes them to excel consistently in their game.

“I remember talking to Brian Lara one day, and he said, JL, when I have a good day, I make sure I have a great day. The most important ingredient of the greatest players, they have this incredible hunger. Because of that, they train harder, they stay healthy, they practise, and they just want more and more. It’s like addictive,” said Langer.

Meanwhile, GT currently sit at the top of the points table with four wins and one loss from five matches. Meanwhile, LSG have won three matches and lost two matches in the five matches they played and stood at the third spot in the points table.