Afghanistan's star spinner Rashid Khan has long been regarded as one of the finest T20 bowlers in the world. He has not only become Afghanistan’s first global cricketing sensation but also come out as a match-winner
in franchise leagues worldwide.
However, as reports suggest that the Gujarat Titans (GT) might release him ahead of IPL 2026, fans have started wondering, what if Rashid Khan played for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK)? Would he have been even more dominant under MS Dhoni’s leadership on the spin-friendly Chepauk pitches?
Rashid’s IPL career began in 2017 when he became the first Afghan cricketer to feature in the tournament, turning out for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Across five successful seasons with SRH, the leggie claimed 93 wickets at an economy rate of 6.33.
In 2022, Rashid moved to the Gujarat Titans, where he instantly became the face of the new franchise. His debut season with GT saw him pick 19 wickets, a title win, and known to become one of the league’s most bankable performers. The following year, he was even better, finishing with 27 wickets in IPL 2023, including a hat-trick against Kolkata Knight Riders. He
However, Rashid’s 2024 season saw a dip in form. With just 10 wickets in 12 matches and an economy of 8.40, his worst in IPL history, many began questioning whether GT’s pace-heavy approach and home conditions in Ahmedabad were limiting Rashid’s effectiveness. Despite being retained for INR 18 crore in 2025, the talks around his potential release increased after another underwhelming start to the season.
Would Rashid Khan have been more dominant at CSK instead of GT?
If Rashid Khan played for the Yellow Army, bowling on the slow, turning surfaces of Chepauk, with MS Dhoni guiding him from behind the stumps. CSK’s home ground in Chennai has historically favoured spinners. The likes of Ravichandran Ashwin, Imran Tahir, and Ravindra Jadeja have all thrived there, largely due to the surface’s tendency to grip and turn. Rashid’s quick, stump-to-stump leg-spin and googly would make him nearly unplayable under such conditions.
Meanwhile, for years, Dhoni has been the best reader of spin bowling, often setting traps. Bowlers like Tahir and Jadeja have publicly credited Dhoni for their success, citing that his field placements have been game-changing. Rashid himself once revealed playing under the Indian legend.
“I have a dream that I play under MS Dhoni. Because the experience playing with him, under him is very important. For a bowler, the role of wicketkeeper is very important and I don't think there is anyone better than him to explain you things,” Rashid said while speaking in a Youtube show 'Cricast'.
Chepauk has been a spinner’s paradise. Even in 2024, the venue saw Afghanistan’s left-arm spinner Noor Ahmad, often considered Rashid’s like-to-like, thrive in CSK’s setup. Noor, playing a role similar to Rashid’s, ended up as the highest wicket-taker of the season.
Moreover, CSK’s strategy of building around experienced bowlers who can execute under pressure would have complemented Rashid. While GT’s expansive Narendra Modi Stadium rewards batters with its large boundaries and bounce, Chennai’s tracks would have played in favour of Rashid’s strengths.
The Afghan's recent struggles with length and back injuries have somewhat affected his rhythm. He has bowled fuller in recent years, making him slightly more hittable. A stint at CSK could have helped him get back his old rhythm.
