Reports: Rashid Khan set to make his comeback in Ireland T20I series

Afghanistan T20I skipper Rashid Khan is all set to make his comeback in the upcoming three-match T20I series against Ireland beginning from Friday, March 15. The wrist-spinner last featured in the ODI World Cup 2023 and has been out of action as he continues to recover from back surgery. The 25-year-old withdrew from the Big Bash League 2023-24 and underwent a back surgery which made him unavailable for SA20 2024 as well.

In his absence, Ibrahim Zadran led the T20I side against UAE, India and Sri Lanka. However, according to reports, Rashid is expected to make a comeback in the upcoming T20I series against Ireland. The two teams are currently taking on each other in a three-match ODI series in Sharjah and the Nangarhar-born cricketer is not a part of the 50-over squad as he continues to recover from back surgery. In a recent interview, Rashid revealed his plans to play in the upcoming series and gave an update on his rehabilitation.

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"The plan is to represent the country in the upcoming series (T20 against Afghanistan) and the training has been underway and today was the second day and thankfully it went well and I hope that the following few days will also be well so that I can wear the national jersey again and continue to do well for my country," Rashid was quoted in a VDO interview posted by Afghanistan Cricket Board on Saturday (March 9).

Rashid further revealed that the doctors had advised him to have surgery before the ODI World Cup 2023. However, he decided to delay it and play the crucial tournament.

"The last three months were difficult because I had surgery. I had been suffering from a back injury for the last seven to eight months and the doctor had asked me to have surgery even before the World Cup but I decided to play the World Cup and have surgery afterwards because it was such an important event for us but Alhamdulillah I am back on the field and feeling well now and now my focus is on returning to the field and bringing joy and success to the nation,” he added.

Further speaking ahead, he stated that the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 will serve as a good preparation for T20 World Cup 2024.

"The good thing is most of our players will be playing IPL and it will be good preparation for the World Cup and we will also keep in touch with those who are not there (in the IPL) to continue working hard in this period," he concluded.

Rashid Khan had a brilliant IPL 2023

Notably, Rashid will be playing for last season’s runner-up Gujarat Titans in the upcoming IPL. He had a brilliant season both with the bat and ball in 2023 finishing as the joint second-highest wicket-taker with 27 wickets from 17 matches at an average of 20.44.

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The right-handed batter also scored 130 runs from nine innings at an average of 32.5 and a strike rate of 216.66 with a best score of 79* (32) against Mumbai Indians. Rashid will hope for another brilliant season this time around and carry his form in the T20 World Cup 2024.