Gujarat Titans’ star spinner Rashid Khan has revealed the arduous journey he endured after undergoing back surgery following the 2023 Cricket World Cup. Despite being advised by doctors to undergo surgery before the tournament, Khan opted to delay it to represent his country.
“I had to play in the World Cup. I cannot say no to the World Cup,” Khan said.
To manage the pain, Khan took injections before the tournament. However, his condition worsened after Afghanistan’s victory over Pakistan.
“I could not sleep. I would sleep only at four or five in the morning at times. The only way I could sleep was by taking sleeping tablets and painkillers,” he recalled.
During the final three matches of the World Cup, Khan played at a mere 40% fitness, relying on painkillers to keep going. His back issues affected his bending and caused pain down to his shins.
After the tournament, Khan underwent surgery. The doctor informed him that a failed surgery could end his career, leaving him anxious.
“I was so tense the whole night before the surgery. I didn’t tell my family that I was having surgery,” he said.
Following the surgery, Khan experienced relief from pain but was eager to return to the game. He thanked the Gujarat Titans staff, particularly Ashish Nehra and Naeem Amin, for their support during his recovery.
However, the surgery has impacted his bowling, particularly his wrong’un. Khan consulted with the franchise’s video analyst, Sandeep Raju, who identified that he was not hitting his lengths correctly.
“I am just using the fingers. There is nothing wrong with my back, but I only had this fear in my mind: what if the injury resurfaced?” Khan explained.
After spot bowling sessions, Khan regained confidence in his back and has since performed well for Gujarat Titans in the IPL.
