Afghanistan’s cricket team is set to confront a significant challenge in the upcoming three-match T20I series against India, as they will be without their star spinner, Rashid Khan. Khan is currently on the path to recovery following a lower-back surgery that sidelined him from both the Big Bash League (BBL) and the SA20.

The Afghan team’s captain, Ibrahim Zadran, has confirmed that while Rashid is traveling with the team to Chandigarh, he is not yet match-fit and will not be partaking in the series. Follow your favourite cricket team with attractive betting odds from Nextbet. 

“He is not totally fit, but is travelling with the team,” Ibrahim stated, expressing hope for Rashid’s swift recovery. “We hope that he gets fit as soon as we expect him to. He’s doing his rehab with the doctor, and we will miss him in the series.”

Rashid’s absence is a significant blow to the team, considering his experience and skill level. However, Ibrahim remains optimistic, acknowledging the challenge but also the team’s preparedness for such situations. “Without Rashid, we will struggle but not that much because his experience is very important for all of us, but this is cricket and you should be ready for any kind of situation,” he said.

Rashid has been out of competitive play since the ODI World Cup in October-November. He also missed Afghanistan’s most recent series, a 2-1 T20I victory over the UAE at the year’s turn. In his absence, Afghanistan’s spin responsibilities will be divided among Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mohammad Nabi, Noor Ahmad, Qais Ahmad, and Sharafuddin Ashraf.

Qais Ahmad, who has stepped up in Rashid’s absence, emerged as the leading wicket-taker in the UAE series, showcasing his potential as a worthy replacement. He secured six wickets at an impressive average of 11.16 and an economy rate of 6.70.

Despite the setback, Ibrahim is looking forward to a competitive series against India. “Playing against India on their home soil is a difficult task, but we came here to play well against them and show our skills,” he remarked. He praised the overall capability of the Afghan team, confident in their ability to perform well.

The series, which promises to be a thrilling encounter, kicks off on Thursday in Mohali, with the following matches scheduled in Indore and Bangalore on January 14 and 17. It provides an opportunity for Afghanistan to prove their resilience and for emerging players to make their mark on the international stage. Get free cricket betting tips only on Nextbet Sports.