The cricketing world is abuzz with excitement as Afghanistan’s star all-rounder, Rashid Khan, arrived in Karachi to join his team for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The tournament, set to take place in Pakistan and the UAE, promises to be a thrilling spectacle, and Rashid’s arrival has already added a touch of sta??r power to the event.

A heartwarming video shared by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) on social media captured the moment Rashid was welcomed by Pakistan’s Haris Rauf and batting maestro Babar Azam at the team hotel. The camaraderie between the players highlighted the sp??irit of sportsmanship and mutual respect that defines cricket.

Babar Azam and Haris Rauf welcomes the Afghan superstar Rashid Khan

The video of Rashid’s arrival quickly went viral, showcasing the warm rec?eption he received from his Pakistan counterparts. Rauf, known for his fiery pace, greeted Rashid with a smile and a handshake, while Babar, one of the world’s top batters, engaged in a friendly chat with the Afghan all-rounder. The interaction between the players was a testament to the bond that transcends rivalries on the field.

Rashid’s arrival in Karachi marks a significant moment for Afghanistan cricket, as the team looks to make a strong impression in the Champions Trophy. Known for his lethal leg-spin a??nd explosive batting, Rashid ??is a key player for Afghanistan, and his presence is expected to bolster the team’s chances in the tournament.

Here’s the video:

Also READ: India’s Parthiv Patel reveals the ‘dark horse�??in Champ??ions Trophy 2025

Afghanistan’s rocky start ahead of prestigious tournament

Rashid’s arrival comes at a critical juncture for Afghanistan, who are looking to bounce back after a challenging start to their Champions Trophy preparations. In their first warm-up match, Afghanistan faced a crushing defeat at the hands of Pakistan Shaheens. The Shaheens posted a formidable total of 314/8 in their 50 overs, thanks to impressive performances from Hussain Talat (70), Mohsin Riaz (61), and Mohammad Irfan Khan (57).

Afghanistan’s batting lineup struggled to cope with the pressure, collapsing to 170 all out in 38.4 overs. The Shaheens�?captain, Shadab Khan, led from the front with the ball, claiming 3??/29 and dismantling Afghanistan’s batting order. The 144-run loss was a wake-up call for the Afghan team, who are now focused on regrouping and refining their strategies ahead of the main ?tournament.

Afghanistan’s road map for the Champions Trophy 2025

Currently, Afghanistan are playing their second warm-up match against New Zealand in Karachi. Under the leadership of Hashmatullah Shahidi, the team is determined to iron out their flaws and build momentum before the Champions Trophy begins. The warm-up matche?s serve as a crucial opportunity for the players to adapt to the conditions and fine-tune their game plans.

Afghanistan’s campaign in the Champions Trophy 2025 will kick off on February 21 at the newly renovated National Bank Stadium in Karachi, where they will face South Africa. The team will then travel to Lahore to take on England on February 26 and Australia on February? 28. These matches will be a true test of Afghanistan’s resilience and ability to compete against the world’s best teams.

As Afghanistan’s talisman, Rashid’s role in the team cannot be overstated. His ability to turn games with both bat and ball makes him a formidable opponent for any team. Rashid’s arrival in Pakistan has not only lifted the spirits of the Afghan squad but also add?ed an extra layer of excitement for fans eagerly anticipating?? the Champions Trophy.

Also READ: Champions Trophy 2025: Australia?’s Michael Clarke predicts top run-scorer, wicket-taker and player of the tournament

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The Qualifier 1 brought out some great news for the MI Cape Town as they entered the final of the league for the first time since the prestigious SA20 2025 came into being in the year 2022. However, the match had a remarkable individual milestone for Cape Town skipper Rashid Khan to achieve.

With an absolute stunner which bowled out Dunith Wellalage in the 10th over of the Paarl Royals, Rashid became the highest wicket-taker in T20 cricket combining the various leagues he has played in and his international appearances for Afghanistan. With this historic record to his name and another crucial dismissal of Dinesh Karthik, Rashid now has a total of 633 wickets to his name in the shortest format of the game. In the light of this brilliant record in T20 cricket, here is a list of the highes??t w?icket-takers in T20 cricket.

Top 5 leading wicket-takers in the T20 format 

(1) Rashid Khan (633 wickets in 461 matches):

Without a doubt, Rashid is a generational talent for Afghanistan who has set the benchmark for the youth of his country in terms of cricketing ability. However, more than an inspirational figure, his records are equally impressive in T20 cricket. Rashid has now bagged the most wickets in the shortest format of the game in the fewest appearances acr??oss different leagues he has played and for his national side combined. The remarkable bowler has a lot more years of cricket left in him and it is anticipated that he is not going to set a new standard as a marquee bowler in T20 cricket.

(2) Dwayne Bravo (631 wickets in 582 matches):

Dwayne Bravo is another name in the list of the leading wicket-takers in T20 cricket. The 41-year-old has played for different franchises across the globe including the likes of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), for Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League (BBL), for Lahore Qalandars in Pakistan Super League (PSL) and Chittagong Kings in Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) amongst others and managed to outshine other seasoned campaigner?s of T20 cricket.

(3) Sunil Narine ( 574 wickets in 536 matches):

Sunil Narine emerged as a major force in T20 cricket during his time with the West Indies national team and for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL. Narine was a bone of contention for batters due to his unconventional bowling tactic and the ability to turn the bowl in adverse conditions. His dynamic style of play was a crucial asset for the long set of franchise he has represented during the course of his career. Without a doubt, Narine is one of the most impactfu??l spin bowlers in T20 cricket.

Also Read: R??ashid Khan surpasses ??former CSK legend to achieve a historic milestone in T20 cricket

(4) Imran Tahir (531 wickets in 428 matches):

Imran Tahir has played in different parts of the world but his sharpness with the bowl and lethal deliveries have been a constant throughout the course of his career. The 45-year-old is still a force to reckon with on his day and his latest appearances in the SA20 2025 for the Joburg Super Kings is a proof of his cricketi?ng ability an?d majestic display with the bowl.

(5) Shakib Al Hasan (492 wickets in 444 matches):

Shakib Al Hasan may have begun his career as a batting all-rounder for Bangladesh, but as his ??career progressed the former skipper of the Bangladesh national team has cemented his place as a spin bowler in the various teams he has played as well. Shakib has a bowling average of 21.49 in the T20 format which places him right in the mix as one of the most remarkable all-rounders the game has ever seen.

Also Watch: ?Dewald Brevis reacts to fan’s unbelievable one-handed catch wor?th of 2 million in SA20 2025

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Afghanistan‘s superstar leg-spinner Rashid Khan has reached a remarkable milestone, setting a new world record in T20 cricket.

A record-breaking feat for Rashid Khan

Playing for MI Cape Town in the SA20 2025 League in South Africa, Rashid claimed two crucial wickets in a match against Paarl Royals, surpassing West Indies’ legendary all-rounder Dwayne Bravo to become the highest wicket-taker in T20 history. With this achievement, Rashid’s total tally of wickets across international T20s and franchise leagues has now reached 633 wickets. Among these, Rashid has taken 161 wickets for Afghanistan in T20 Internationals, while securing 472 wickets in various T20 franchise leagues and domestic competitions worldwide. This makes him the most prolific bowler in the shortest format of the game, reaffirming his status as one of the greatest T20 players of all time.

The landmark match: Rashid’s crucial wickets

Rashid’s record-breaking moment came in the SA20 2025 Qualifier 1 at St George’s Park, Gqeberha. Leading the Cape Town, Rashid surpassed Bravo’s tally of 631 wickets when he dismissed Sri Lankan all-rounder Dunith Wellalage. Shortly after, he removed experienced Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik, further cementing his place in the record books. In the same match, MI Cape Town’s bowling attack, including Trent Boult, Kagiso Rabada and Corbin Bosch, played a key role in restricting the Royals to 160 in 19.5 overs, securing a 39-run victory and a place in the SA?20 final. Rashid’s spell saw him return figures of 2/33 in four overs, adding another memorable chapter to his already illustrious career.

Also READ: Hashmatullah Shahidi to lead as Afghanistan announces s?quad for the Champions Trophy 20??25

Rashid’s T20 career in numbers

Rashid’s meteoric rise in T20 cri??cket has been nothing short of spectacular. The Afghan spin wizard has been a match-winner for every team he has represented. In his T20 career so far, he has played a total of 461 matches and taken 633 wickets. His impressive bowling average of 18.07 reflects his consistency in picking wickets, while his best bowling figures of 6/17 highlight his ability to single-handedly dismantle opposition lineups. Rashid has recorded four five-wicket hauls and 16 four-wicket hauls, further proving his dominance as a wicket-taking bowler.

What makes him even more dangerous is his remarkable economy rate of 6.50 runs per over, which is exceptionally low for a bowler who operates in the shortest and most explosive format of the game. Among active cricketers, Rashid Khan is in a league of his own, with the next-highest wicket-taker in T20 cricket being Sunil Narine of West Indies, who has 574 wickets from 536 matches. Rashid’s dominance in T20 bowling is unparalleled, and at just 26 years old, he has the potential to become the first bowler in history to reach 1,000 T20 ??wickets if he remains injury-free.

Rashid’s journey from Afghanistan to T20 stardom

Rashid Khan’s T20 journey began in 2015 when he made his debut for Afghanistan at the age of 17 against Zimbabwe. Over the years, he has transformed into one of the most sought-after players in global T20 leagues. His ability to deliver sharp, deceptive leg-spin, along with his control and variations, has made him a match-winner across formats. Rashid has represented s?everal elite T20 franchises across the world, making an impact in almost every major league.

In the Indian Premier League (IPL), he has played for Gujarat Titans (GT) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), becoming a vital part of their bowling attacks. In the Big Bash League (BBL), he has been a dominant force for the Adelaide Strikers. His presence has also been felt in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), where he has represented Barbados Royals and Guyana Amazon Warriors.

In the SA20 League, he currently leads Cape Town, while in England’s The Hundred, he has been a key player for Trent Rockets. Additionally, he has featured in the International League T20 (ILT20) for MI Emirates and Major League Cricket (MLC) for Los Angeles Knight Riders. His impact i??n franchise cricket has been massive, making him a top pick in almos?t every major T20 league worldwide.

Also READ: SA20 2025: A complet??e guide to Indian, Afghanistan and Sri Lankan players participating in the Season 3

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The 27th match of the SA20 2025 between Pretoria Capitals and MI Cape Town at SuperSport Park, Centurion, was a high-octane clash that kept fans on the edge of their seats. While MI Cape Town’s batters put up an imposing total, it was skipper Rashid Khan’s sensational bowling spell that stole the spotlight. His fiery performance, including two crucial wickets including MJ Ackerman??, helped MI Cape Town secure a commanding 27-run victory.

Rashid Khan cleans up MJ Ackerman 

In the 15th over of Pretoria Capitals’ innings, Rashid showcased his class and precision, delivering a crucial breakthrough. Bowling to Ackerman, Rashid sent down a well-flighted delivery on leg stump. Ackerman attempted a big sweep but misjudged the ball’s trajectory, missing it completely. The ball deflected off his pad and rolled onto the off-stump, rattling the woodwork. Rashid erupted in celebration, knowing he had made a decisive impact. Ackerman departed for 8 runs off 10 balls, leaving Pretoria Capitals in further trouble.

Here is the video:

Nutmeg, Panna, Shibobo 😅 #BetwaySA20 #PCvMICT #WelcomeToIncredible pic.twitter.com/poK8qAIc2j

— Betway SA20 (@SA20_League) January 31, 2025

Also WATCH: Faf du Plessis delivers a savage no-look six?? against Dayyaan?? Galiem in SA20 2025

Kyle Verreynne falls to Rashid’s googly

Before dismissing Ackerman, Rashid had already claimed the prized wicket of Pretoria Capitals captain Kyle Verreynne. In the 11th over, Rashid bowled a deceptive googly that left Verreynne completely bamboozled. Attempting a preme??ditated scoop, the Pretor??ia Capitals skipper failed to make contact, and the ball crashed into the top of the leg stump. Verreynne walked back after scoring just 1 run off 4 deliveries, as Rashid once again proved why he is regarded as one of the world’s best T20 bowlers.

MI Cape Town’s batting blitz sets up big total

Earlier in the match, MI Cape Town delivered a batting masterclass, posting a mammoth total of 222/3 in their 20 overs. Reeza Hendricks and Dewald Brevis led the charge, both smashing half-centuries to propel their team to an imposin??g total. Their aggressive stroke play and calculated approach ensured th??at MI Cape Town had enough runs on the board to challenge Pretoria Capitals.

In response, Pretoria Cap?itals put up a spirited fight but ultimately fell short, managing 195/8 in their 20 overs. Will Smeed played a fighting knock, scoring 52 off 36 balls, but his lone effort wasn’t enough to take his team over the line.

Also WATCH: Dinesh Karthik smacks Wihan L??ubbe for three consecutive sixes in SA20 2025

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In the 21st match of the SA20 2025 at Newlands, Cape Town, MI Cape Town‘s captain Rashid Khan produced a sensational bowling performance, taking two crucial wickets in quick succession to shift the momentum in his team’s favour. His outstanding spell, including the dismissals of Matthew Breetzke and Marcus Stoinis, was pivotal in MI Cape Town�??�s victory over Dur??ban Super Giants.

Rashid Khan strikes early to break Matthew Breetzke’s stay

In the 6th over of the Durban Super Giants’ innings, Rashid made an immediate impact with the ball. Bowling to Breetzke, Rashid sent the opener packing with his very first delivery. The ball was floated up outside off, and Breetzke, trying to drive, managed only a thick inside edge, which clattered into the leg-stump. Breetzke’s painful innings ended at just 6 runs off 15 balls, with one boundary. His dismissal highlighted the challenging conditions for batters, with spinners proving to be a key threat on this wicket.

Rashid takes two in two to leave Durban Super Giants’ reeling

In the very next delivery, Rashid was at it again, this time removing the dangerous Marcus Stoinis for a golden duck. Stoinis, f?acing his first ball of the tournament, attempted to take on the leg-spinner but was undone by a well-pitched delivery that bounced higher than expected. Missing his attempted sweep shot, Stoinis saw the ball crash into the top of his off-stump, leaving him without scoring. This back-to-back double strike left the Durban Super G??iants in a perilous position early in their innings.

Here is the video: 

The MI Cape Town bowlers are bringing their A-Game 💯 #BetwaySA20 #MICTvDSG #WelcomeToIncredible pic.twitter.com/LRfWWtNn2X

— Betway SA20 (@SA20_League) January 25, 2025

Also WATCH: Heinrich Klaasen takes an incredible? flying catch to dismiss Joe Root for a golden duck | SA20 2025

MI Cape Town’s Ryan Rickelton guides his team to victory

Despite the early setbacks, the Durban Super Giants fought back through strong contributions from Kane Williamson and Heinrich Klaasen. Williamson top-scored with 56 runs off 44 balls, while Klaasen followed up with an impressive 66 off 43 balls. Their efforts helped the Super Giants reach a total of 149 for the loss of 6 wickets. MI Cape Town’s bowlers, besides Rashid, also contributed well, with George Linde, Trent Boult and Corbin Bosch each claiming a wicket.

In response, MI Cape Town chased down the target of 150 with ease, led by a brilliant knock from wicket-keeper opener Ryan Rickelton. Rickelton played an outstanding innings, scoring 63 runs off 41 balls, which included 3 fours and 6 ??sixes. His explosive batting set the tone ?for the chase, and MI Cape Town reached 154 for the loss of 3 wickets.

Also WATCH: AB de Villiers attends SA20 match between Pretor??ia Capitals and Paarl Royals in hilarious disguise

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Afghanistan celebrated a historic triumph in Bulawayo as Rashid Khan’s spectacular seven-wicket haul in the second innings powered them to a commanding 72-run win over Zimbabwe in the second Test at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo. This victory secured a 1-0 series win, marking a significant achievement in Afghanistan’s journey in international Test cricket.

Rashid Khan’s magical spell

The final day of the Test saw Rashid deliver a bowling masterclass that left the Zimbabwean batting lineup in tatters. Starting the day at 205/8 and needing a mammoth effort to reach their target, Zimbabwe’s hopes were quickly dashed. Rashid struck in the second over, removing Richard Ngarava with a sharp delivery, and wrapped up the innings shortly after, finishing with figures of 7/66. His relentless accuracy and turn proved too much for the hosts, cementing his reputation as one of the premier spinners in world cricket.

Afghanistan’s all-round performance in the second innings

Afghanistan set the stage for their victory with a commanding batting display in their second innings. Rahmat Shah and Ismat Alam le?d the charge with exceptional centuries, scoring 139 and 101, respectively. Their contributions propelled Afghanistan to a formidable total of 363, giving them a crucial upper hand.

Chasing 278 for victory, Zimbabwe couldn’t put a fight, with skipper Craig Ervine only being the only half-centurion. The home team fell short of reaching the set target as Rashid and Zia-ur-Rehman (2/44) combined to restrict Zimbabwe to 205.

A landmark moment for Afghanistan

This series win is a testament to Afghanistan’s growing stature in Test cricket. Rashid’s match-winning performance not only highlighted his skills but also underscored Afghanistan’s potential to compete at the highest level.

Congratulations Afghanistan great bowling @rashidkhan_19 and Great batting by @RahmatShah_08 and @IsmatAlam pic.twitter.com/qMUXr666m4

— Mohammad Nabi (@MohammadNabi007) January 6, 2025

Also WATCH: Blessing Muzarabani’s unplayable bouncer to dismiss Rashid Khan on Day 4 of the ZIM vs AFG 2nd Test

His figures of 11 wickets across the match (7/66 in the second innings and 4/94 in the first) played a pivotal role in turning the game in Afghanistan’s favour.

𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 – 𝐑𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐝 𝐊𝐡𝐚𝐧 🤩@rashidkhan_19 (25, 4/94, 23 & 7/66) bagged a well-deserving player of the match award for his incredible contributions in the second test match against Zimbabwe. 🤩🏅#AfghanAtalan | #ZIMvAFG |�?pic.twitter.com/QjVNabM8YT

— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) January 6, 2025

Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi praised the team’s collective effort. “First of all, congrats to the entire team, very happy with the way we performed. Coming back after a difficult first day was excellent, but mentally this will make us a lot more stronger. Performances from Rahmat, Ismat and Rashid were outstanding,” he said during the post-match presentation.

Also REA??D: Top 5 highest opening partnership while following-on in Test cricket

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On the fourth day of the second and final Test match at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s right-arm medium-fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani delivered a sensational performance including a fiery bouncer from Muzarabani dismissed Afghanistan’s all-rounder Rashid Khan.

Blessing Muzarabani’s lethal bouncer

In the 98th over of Afghanistan’s second innings ball delivered by Muzarabani, climbing sharply off a good length, caught Rashid off guard. In a defensive attempt, Rashid fended at the delivery, only for it to pop off his gloves into the hands of wicketkeeper Joylord Gumbie. Without waiting for the umpire’s decision, Rashid walked off, scoring 23 runs off 27 balls. This dismiss????al marked a historic milestone for Muzarabani, earning him his maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket.

Here is the video:

The first of many for Blessing Muzarabani! 👏🏻

Muzarabani ripped through the Afghan batting line-up to bag his first five-for in Tests 💪#ZIMvAFGonFanCode pic.twitter.com/Uu9yEKW1mW

— FanCode (@FanCode) January 5, 2025

Muzarabani’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary. In Afghanistan’s second innings, the 28-year-old pacer scalped six wickets in 29 overs, including five maidens, at an impressive economy rate of 3.30. His efforts placed him in the record books with the eighth-best bowling figures in an innings for Zimbabwe in Test cricket. Adding to his first-innings tally of two wickets, Muzarabani finished?? the match with a remarkable total of eight dismissals, cementing his dominance in the series-deciding Test.

Also READ: Travis Head rubs salt on India’s WTC and? ODI WC agony with an Instagram story after Australia’s BGT victory

Afghanistan’s fightback: Rashid Khan’s heroics with the ball

Despite Muzarabani’s heroics, Afghanistan remained in the contest thanks to Rashid’s stellar bowling performance. Rashid claimed six wickets in Zimbabwe’s second innings, maintaining his status as the game-changer for Afghanistan. His relentless attack left Zimbabwe reeling at 205 for 8 by the end of Day 4, still requiri?ng 73 runs to s??ecure victory in the nail-biting decider.

Zimbabwe’s hope: Captain Craig Ervine stands tall

The only glimmer of hope for Zimbabwe lies in their skipper, Craig Ervine. Battling with resilience, Ervine remained unbeaten at stumps with a fighting 53 ?off 97 balls. His determined innings has kept Zimbabwe’s hopes alive, though the team faces an uphill battl??e with just two wickets in hand heading into the final day.

Also READ: Here’s the updated WTC? 2023-25 points table after India loses the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia

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On the second day of the second Test between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s middle-order batter Sean Williams demonstrated exceptional sportsmanship during the spell of Rashid Khan.

Sean Williams displays exemplary sportsmanship

In the 66th over of Zimbabwe’s innings, bowled by Afghanistan’s star leg-spinner Rashid, Williams was initially declared not out by the umpire following a loud appeal for a caught-behind dismissal. Despite the lack of a Decision Review System (DRS) in play, Williams, batting on 49, chose to walk off after realizing he had edged the ball to the keeper. The gesture drew applause from Rashid and the Afghan players, underscoring the spirit of cricket. Williams’ innings ended with 49 runs off 52 balls, including eight fours.

Here is the video: 

Superb sportsmanship by Sean Williams! 🫡

Even though the umpire did not give him out, the Zimbabwe batter walked off, knowing he had nicked the ball! 👏🏻#ZIMvAFGonFanCode pic.twitter.com/F3jT3fLDjb

— FanCode (@FanCode) January 3, 2025

Rashid continued to demonstrate why he is Afghanistan’s premier bowler across all formats. The 26-yea??r-old leg-spinner delivered a masterful spell in Zimbabwe’s first innings, claiming four wickets for 94 runs in 27.3 overs at an economy rate of 3.40. His control, variations, and skill with the googly were on full display, solidifying his reputation as the leading wicket-taker for Afghanistan.

Also READ: IPL 2025: 3 reasons why Rash??id Khan can replace Shubman Gill?? as Gujarat Titans�?captain

Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan: Series hangs in the balance

At the close of Day 2, Afghanistan had reached 46 for the loss of three wickets, trailing Zimbabwe’s first-innings total by 40 runs. Rahmat Shah and Zia-ur-Rehman remained on the crease, looking to steady the ship for Afghanistan in the crucial third day. With both batters showcasing solid technique, Afghanistan will a?im to establish a significant lead to put Zimbabwe under pressure in the second innings.

Following the drawn first Test, this second and final match of the series presents a golden opportunity for both teams to?? secure a series victory. Th?e contest remains evenly poised, with Zimbabwe and Afghanistan each vying to outplay the other over the remaining days.

Also READ: ZIM vs AFG: After Rahmat Shah, captain Hashmatullah Shahidi smashes double century f?or Afghanistan in the first Test at Bulawayo

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The Gujarat Titans (GT) have ignited speculation among franchise fans with a cryptic New Year tweet, hinting at a potential captaincy change ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season.

The tweet prominently featured Afghanistan’s star spinner Rashid Khan, raising the possibility that the celebrated leg-spinner might replace Shubman Gill as the team’s skipper. Shared on the franchise’s official Twitter handle, the post showcased Rashid gazing thoughtfully at a blank slate, accompanied by the caption, “A Clean Slate. A New Story,” This enigmatic message has led to widespread speculation that the Titans might announce a significant ??overhaul of their leadership structure for the upcoming season.

Speculations rise amid Gujarat Titans’ leadership struggles

While the Titans have not officially?? confirmed any changes, the timing and content of the tweet have fueled rumors of a possible shakeup. Rashid has been a cornerstone of the franchise s?ince joining in 2022, retained for an impressive INR 18 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. His consistent performances have made him an invaluable asset, both as a bowler and a potential leader.

On the other hand, Gill, who took over the captaincy in 2024 following Hardik Pandya’s move to Mumbai Indians (MI), faced a tough inaugural year as skippe??r. Despite Gill’s st??ellar individual performances, the team struggled to find cohesion, finishing a disappointing eighth on the points table with just five wins from 14 matches. This underwhelming campaign has sparked questions about Gill’s leadership capabilities.

3 reasons why Rashid Khan can replace Shubman Gill as GT’s captain

1. Proven leadership experience across global T20 leagues

Rashid’s extensive leadership experience in T20 cricket makes him a prime candidate to take over the Titans�?captaincy. The Afghan spinner has successfully led Afghanistan’s national team in international cricket, showcasing his ability to handle high-pressure situations and inspire his teammates. Beyond international cricket, Rashid has been a consistent performer and a key figure in several global T20 leagues, including the Big Bash League (BBL), Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and Pakistan Super League (PSL).

In these leagues, Rashid has often taken on leadership roles, whether formally or informally, guiding young players and making tactical contributions to the team’s strategy. His exposure to diverse playing conditions and his experience in managing multicultural teams equip him with the skills required t?o lead Titans effectively. His reputation as a natural leader who leads by example on the field adds weight to the argument that he could successfully transition into a full-time captaincy ro?le in the IPL.

Also READ: Team India’s full schedule till IPL 2025: En??gland series, Champions Trophy & Mor??e

2. Tactical brilliance and match-winning consistency

Rashid’s cricketing acumen and ability to make decisive on-field calls are unparalleled. As a bowler, Rashid is a master of reading the game, adapting his strategies to outwit batters in real-time. This tactical sharpness is a hallmark of successful captains, and his ability to execute plans effectively makes him a strong contender for the role. Over the years, Rashid has consistently been a match-winner for Titans, not just with the ball but also with the bat in crucial situations, earning the trust of teammates and management alike.

Meanwhile, Gill’s captaincy in 2024 came under scrutiny due to questionable decision-making during crunch moments. In contrast, Rashid’s proven ability to remain calm under pressure and his intuitive understanding of T20 dynamics could rejuvenate the team’s fortunes. His leadership could foster a more aggressive a?nd proactive approach, ensuring the Titans capitalize on key moments during games.

3. Influence as a senior player and fan favourite

Rashid’s status as a senior player and his immense popularity among fans make him an ideal figurehead for the Titans. Retained for a whopping INR 18 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 auction, Rashid’s value to the team extends far beyond his performances. His charisma, humility, and work ethic have made him a role model for younger players in the squad. As captain, Rashid could inspire the team to perform cohesively and bring out the best in emerging talents.

Furthermore, his widespread fan following across India and the world could bolster the team’s brand image. With Gill facing criticism for the Titans�?disappointing 2024 season, a leadership change to Rashid could symbolize a fresh start and a renewed sense of purpose. His appointment would also align with the message in the team’s cryptic tweet, emphasizing a “clean slate” and “new story” for the franchise, potentially reinvigorating team morale and fan engagement.

By leveraging Rashid’s lea??dership skills, tactical?? brilliance, and influence within the team, the Titans could establish a more cohesive and successful unit under his guidance.

Also READ: Gu??jarat Titans IPL 2025 Squad: Co??mplete players list of GT after the mega auction

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