New Delhi: Rashid Khan, the star spinner of Gujarat Titans, has revealed that he is working on a potential new variation as bowlers look to counter the growing dominance of batters in T20 cricket.
Speaking about the evolving nature of the game, Rashid admitted that the balance has tilted significantly in favour of batters in recent years, prompting him to rethink his approach and innovate.
Bowlers under pressure in T20 cricket
Rashid, widely regarded as one of the finest spinners in T20 history, acknowledged that bowlers have struggled to keep pace with the rapid evolution of batting techniques, especially in leagues like the Indian Premier League.
He pointed out that the increasing intensity and high-scoring nature of matches leave little room for experimentation during games.
Working on subtle variations
The Afghan spinner revealed that while he is exploring new deliveries, he has not yet introduced them in matches due to the need for complete control.
According to Rashid, the scope for innovation as a leg-spinner is limited, and the focus is more on refining deception rather than creating entirely new deliveries.
He emphasised the importance of making his stock leg-spin and googly appear identical in terms of grip, action, and release—an approach that could make it significantly harder for batters to read him.
Practice beyond IPL pressure
Rashid explained that experimenting with new variations is more feasible in longer formats like One Day Internationals, where bowlers get extended spells to test their skills.
In contrast, the high-pressure environment of the IPL makes it risky to try untested deliveries, as even minor errors can prove costly.
Dip in recent performance
The spinner has experienced a relatively quiet phase over the past two seasons, claiming 19 wickets in 27 matches—a noticeable dip compared to his outstanding 2023 season, where he picked up 27 wickets in just 17 games.
This decline has coincided with challenges faced by Gujarat Titans, who have had a difficult start to the current campaign, including a heavy defeat against Punjab Kings and a narrow last-ball loss to Rajasthan Royals.
Looking ahead
Gujarat Titans are set to play their next match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on April 8, where Rashid will look to regain form and possibly bring his refined variations into play.
Conclusion
As T20 cricket continues to evolve rapidly, Rashid Khan’s focus on precision and deception highlights how even the best bowlers must constantly adapt. His efforts to refine his craft could prove crucial not only for his own resurgence but also for restoring balance between bat and ball in the format.