Jonathan Trott puts 'no real timeframe' on influential Rashid Khan return

Rashid Khan pulled out of the ongoing Big Bash League owing to a minor back injury. Following which, the wrist-spinner underwent a back surgery and is yet to make his return to professional cricket. Speaking about the same, Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott mentioned that the cricketer is still recovering and there is no real time frame regarding his possible return to the national squad. 

Trott added that the team management is in no mood to rush him back as he is a very influential cricketer and is expected to play a big part for Afghanistan in the upcoming T20 World Cup. Trott added that the spinner is working extremely hard and is training with the rest of the cricketers ahead of the third T20I against India.

“It is a case of us making sure that we are really careful with his back. He is such an influential player, we have to make sure he is 100 per cent ready and not rush him back from that type of surgery. It is important to give him the right time and he is working extremely hard and he is here with the team,” Trott was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

“He is very passionate and dedicated to the Afghan national side. When he is ready, he will be the first one to get on the field. He has got a few more appointments and check-ups to make sure everything is okay. So there is no real time frame. I hope it is sooner rather than later. But there is no pressure and no rush,” the former England international added.

Rashid is expected to be completely fit before the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League. He is one of the leaders in the Gujarat Titans locker room and will once again play a very important role for the team in the upcoming edition, especially with Hardik Pandya not there anymore. He will target IPL as a dress rehearsal before the T20 World Cup, which is slated to begin on June 1.