IND vs AFG: Jonathan Trott Provides Huge Update On 'Influential Player' Rashid Khan's Injury

Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott provided a huge update about Rashid Khan’s fitness ahead of the third T20I against India. He said that they are trying to be careful with him and will not rush the leg-spinner until he is 100% fit.

Rashid Khan’s absence has been one of the main reasons behind Afghanistan’s struggle in the ongoing T20I series against India. The leg-spinner has been ruled out of the series due to a back injury but still has been training with the team on the sidelines.

Rashid Khan has been recovering from a lower back injury. The all-rounder recently underwent surgery and hasn’t played a single game after the ICC World Cup 2023. The surgery forced him out of the BBL and the SA20 along with the ongoing three-match series against India.

Jonathan Trott believes that it is important to give time to Rashid Khan to recover. While touting him as the influential player, the Afghanistan head coach revealed that the leg-spinner is working hard to force his comeback. Speaking to reporters, he stated:

“It is a case of us making sure that we are careful with his back. He is such an influential player. We have to make sure he is 100% ready and not rush him back from that type of surgery. It is important to give him the time and he is working extremely hard.”

Jonathan Trott added that Rashid Khan will be undergoing a few more appointments and check-ups before making a comeback. The Afghanistan head coach also revealed that there is a certain time frame as to when the all-rounder will return. He also claimed that they aren’t having the pressure to rush him. He elaborated:

“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.”

IND vs AFG: I will be looking at getting closer to a good 40 overs from us tomorrow – Jonathan Trott on third T20I against India

Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott also opened up about the game plan for the third T20I against India in Bengaluru. He’s hopeful of seeing a good game of 40 overs. But also wants his bowlers to put pressure on Indian batters in middle orders.

He added that putting the opposition under pressure in middle overs is the area that they want to improve going into the T20 World Cup 2024. He said:

“I will be looking at getting closer to a good 40 overs from us tomorrow. Being able to put some pressure on the Indian side in the middle overs with the ball would be nice. It’s something that we want to get better at if we want to compete at the World Cup (in June). So, plenty to play for at such a historic venue.”

Afghanistan have already the series. They faced a 6-wicket loss in both games as they were poor with bat and ball. They would be hoping to turn things away when the third T20I takes place on 17th January at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore.