Ajay Jadeja suggested it’s perfectly normal for Rashid Khan to face struggles after dominating the game for such a long period.
Rashid Khan’s Form Slumps in IPL 2025, but Titans Stay Unfazed
IPL 2025 has posed fresh challenges for Gujarat Titans’ premier spinner Rashid Khan, whose form has taken a sharp downturn. Once considered one of the most feared bowlers in the league, Rashid has struggled to make an impact this season, managing just 7 wickets in 9 matches at an economy rate of 8.88. This decline follows a lukewarm 2024 season, where he picked up only 10 wickets in 12 matches. Batters are no longer hesitant to take him on—14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, during his record-breaking century, even smashed Rashid for a six while on 94.
Despite his poor returns, Gujarat Titans are not overly concerned. Former India cricketer Ajay Jadeja, who has worked closely with Rashid in the Afghanistan setup, said the team remains in good spirits. “Titans are second on the table even with Rashid not at his best,” Jadeja told Hindustan Times during a media interaction. He believes Rashid’s experience and proven track record mean it’s only a matter of time before he bounces back. “When he hits form again, it’ll give the team a major boost,” Jadeja added, suggesting that the Titans are viewing this slump as a temporary phase rather than a long-term concern.
“Teams are learning to play Rashid Khan better”
Former India cricketer Ajay Jadeja has come out in support of Rashid Khan amid the Afghan spinner’s dip in form during IPL 2025. With just 7 wickets in 9 games and an economy of 8.88, Rashid has struggled to deliver the impact fans have come to expect. However, Jadeja believes this is a natural phase for elite athletes. “Every great player experiences a drop in form at some point,” he said, pointing out that after years of dominance, teams begin to decode even the best through analysis and data.
Still, the former cricketer is confident that Rashid can bounce back when it matters most. “Imagine a knockout game and suddenly he comes up with a performance… GT would love that, and so would Rashid,” he concluded. With Gujarat Titans aiming for another title run, Jadeja believes Rashid’s spark could reignite at just the right time.
