Legendary India spinner Anil Kumble has opined that the Afghanistan bowler Rashid Khan isn't as precise as he used to be previously. Kumble believes that the young
spinner, despite boasting a skilful bag of variations, isn't as intimidating to the batters any more, especially in T20 cricket. As a result, the former cricketer thinks that he may not be as effective for Gujarat Titans in the 2026 Indian Premier League.
The Karnataka-born came forward to opine that there are other bowlers who are as good as Rashid, which makes him a little faded than previously. He further passed on the advice to the GT management to look after Rashid's workload ahead of the upcoming IPL season and put some more responsibilities on Washington Sundar and R Sai Kishore.
"I think the novelty of Rashid Khan has worn off a little. There are many similar bowlers available now, so he is not as intimidating as before. His workload has to be managed more, along with bowlers like Sai Kishore. Even Rahul Tewatia and Washington Sundar can contribute more for GT this season," Kumble expressed via JioStar.
GT need to focus on their batting: Irfan Pathan
Meanwhile, cricketer-turned-commentator Irfan Pathan believes that the Gujarat-based franchise must try to utilize the maximum potential of the Caribbean all-rounder, whom they roped in for INR 7.00 crore in the mini-auction. However, Pathan also feels that GT need to be a little cautious about using their four overseas players, with big names like Rashid, Holder, Jos Buttler, and Glenn Phillips being around.
"Their bet on Jason Holder is interesting. He is an amazing bowler with the new ball, but his batting has improved, especially his six-hitting abilities. GT has put a lot of faith in that. Their main strength is their top three batters: Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler. How they use Washington Sundar will be important, as his batting has gotten better too. The role of Glenn Phillips, or whoever plays at number four or five, will also be very big," Pathan said.
GT squad for IPL 2026: Shubman Gill (c), Sai Sudharsan, Kumar Kushagra, Anuj Rawat, Jos Buttler, Nishant Sindhu, Washington Sundar, Arshad Khan, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Ishant Sharma, Gurnoor Singh Brar, Rashid Khan, Manav Suthar, Sai Kishore, Jayant Yadav, Glenn Phillips, Jason Holder, Ashok Sharma, Luke Wood, Prithvi Raj Yarra, Tom Banton
