There was a time when just watching Rashid Khan mark his run-up was enough to send a chill down IPL batters’ spines. With his wristy precision and relentless accuracy, he was a match-winner—first for Sunrisers Hyderabad, then for Gujarat Titans. Rashid bowled like clockwork, often more dangerous than frontline pacers, and regularly changed games in his team’s favor.
But now? The Afghan superstar isn’t the same force. His decline since IPL 2024 isn’t just a rough patch—it’s a major concern for both fans and franchises.
Let’s break down the numbers and see where it’s all gone wrong.
Rashid Khan’s IPL Dominance: 2017 to 2023
| Year | Innings | Wickets | Average | Economy | Strike Rate | Best Figures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 14 | 17 | 21.1 | 6.63 | 19.1 | 3/19 |
| 2018 | 17 | 21 | 21.8 | 6.74 | 19.4 | 3/19 |
| 2019 | 15 | 17 | 22.2 | 6.28 | 21.2 | 3/21 |
| 2020 | 16 | 20 | 17.2 | 5.38 | 19.2 | 3/7 |
| 2021 | 14 | 18 | 20.8 | 6.70 | 18.7 | 3/36 |
| 2022 | 16 | 19 | 22.2 | 6.60 | 20.2 | 4/24 |
| 2023 | 17 | 27 | 20.4 | 8.24 | 14.9 | 4/30 |
Total (2017–2023): 109 innings, 139 wickets, 20.8 average, 6.67 economy, 18.7 strike rate
Analysis:
For seven consecutive seasons, Rashid set the gold standard in T20 bowling. He kept his economy rate under 7, regularly averaged between 17 and 22, and maintained a dot-ball percentage above 40%. Even in 2023—his most expensive season with an economy of 8.24—he still bagged 27 wickets, proving he remained a top-tier wicket-taker.
Rashid Khan’s Decline: 2024 to 2025
| Year | Innings | Wickets | Average | Economy | Strike Rate | Best Figures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 12 | 10 | 36.7 | 8.40 | 26.2 | 2/38 |
| 2025 | 4 | 1 | 143.0 | 10.21 | 84.0 | 1/48 |
Total (2024–2025): 16 innings, 11 wickets, 46.4 average, 8.84 economy, 31.5 strike rate
Analysis:
Post-2023, Rashid’s numbers have fallen off a cliff. He’s now averaging less than a wicket per game, while conceding nearly nine runs an over. His strike rate has worsened drastically—jumping from 18.7 to 31.5. Opponents are no longer just surviving his spells—they’re exploiting them.
Comparing the Eras
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Wickets per game: Dropped from 1.27 to 0.68
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Economy: Up from 6.67 to 8.84
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Strike Rate: Shot up from 18.7 to 31.5
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Dot ball %: Dropped by 8%
Two Major Concerns
1. Rashid Isn’t the Wicket-Taker He Once Was
His biggest strength used to be his knack for breaking partnerships. Between 2017 and 2023, Rashid often picked up crucial wickets against the flow of play. But now, that spark is missing. His variations lack bite, and batters aren’t struggling to read him anymore. In 2023, he struck every 14.9 balls; in 2025 so far, it’s once every 84 balls.
2. He’s Getting Hit—A Lot
Gone are the days when Rashid’s overs were tight and unscorable. Today, batters attack him from the get-go. Since 2024, he’s been hit for 31 sixes in 16 games—almost two per match, compared to one per game during his prime. His dot ball percentage has plummeted to 32.4%.
What’s Causing This Downturn?
Overexposure Has Made Him Predictable
Rashid plays in nearly every T20 league—IPL, BBL, CPL, The Hundred, ILT20, and more. And while constant cricket keeps players sharp, it also means batters have seen enough of him to decode his mystery. He still bowls well, but the element of surprise is fading.
Injuries Have Disrupted Rhythm
Years of relentless T20 cricket have taken a toll. Here’s a quick look at his injury timeline:
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Post-ODI WC 2023: Underwent back surgery, missed 4 months
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2024 (The Hundred): Hamstring pull
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Aug 2024: Recurring back issue
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Late 2024: Groin strain before NZ Test
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Sept 2024: Hamstring injury vs South Africa
Five different injuries in under a year. That’s not just bad luck—it’s a sign his body is crying out for rest. Bowling four overs at high intensity with a fragile back and tight hamstring is a recipe for decline.
The Brutal Truth
Right now, Rashid Khan’s stats don’t reflect the legend he built between 2017 and 2023. His economy is high, his wickets are drying up, and the fear factor is gone.
T20 is ruthless. You’re only as good as your last few overs. And Rashid’s recent ones paint a worrying picture.
Is There Hope?
Absolutely. Rashid Khan is still only 26. With his experience and hunger, he can definitely stage a comeback. But it’ll require tough calls—cutting down on non-stop T20 leagues, recovering fully from injuries, and reinventing his variations.
Because if he keeps pushing through without a break, the magician who once owned the middle overs might continue fading away.
The king of control is under siege. The question is: Can Rashid Khan reclaim his throne, or has the modern game finally cracked the code?
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