Self-doubt is all pervasive, even amongst the most elite athletes who have seen and won it all. Rashid Khan, long-regarded as the best T20 bowler without dispute, has been enduring a rough patch in IPL 2025 but fortunately has teammates who back his talent all the way, as evident on Monday.
Gujarat Titans again banked on their formidable top three to score the bulk of runs after being asked to bat first against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens, with skipper Shubman Gill leading from the front through his 55-ball 90 to help set a daunting target of 199. Two wickets in the powerplay thereafter did not aid the hosts’ cause either, especially given it was Rashid Khan who scalped Sunil Narine and looked to be back at his rhythmic best. The Afghan spinner had only managed four wickets before the encounter, but nearly scalped two in two courtesy of the unwavering support of senior figures in the team.
On the first ball of the eighth over, Rashid steamed in from over the stumps and delivered a stock leggie that pitched just on Venkatesh Iyer’s leg stump line before straightening against the angle to beat the inside edge and thump into the batter’s pads. Gujarat immediately went up in loud appeal but the umpire remained unmoved, considering the ball had hit the top of the pads and seemed to be going high. Gill was convinced by the umpire’s decision too but was drawn in by Rashid’s enthusiasm, yet what sealed the deal was Rahul Tewatia’s practical plea. The veteran finisher urged his skipper to take a punt, assuring him that it would be an umpire’s call at best and the review would be retained. When the replays were rolling on the big screen as a result, Mohammed Siraj stood the whole time next to Rashid with his arms enclosed around his shoulders to extract a cheeky sheepish from Rashid. The pacer was even ready to celebrate as he leaned in for a hug to celebrate the Afghan, but it turned out that Tewatia was correct in his assessment and the height was indeed deemed to be umpire’s call.
Even as Siraj left the scene animatedly with head hung and arms flailing, the smile never left Rashid’s face — a symbol for Twitterati of the respect the spinner has earned across his glittering T20 career.
Umpire’s call!
Lol!
Rashid Khan could sell DRS calls like insurance.
Convincing as hell, but 3 claims denied in 2 matches.
Captain be like: ‘No more free trials, bro.’— Fantasy Cricket Pro 🏏 (Viren Hemrajani) (@FantasycricPro) April 21, 2025
Venkatesh Iyer LBW review off Rashid Khan’s bowling… Proper meme template with Siraj and Rashid 😂#IPL2025
— Kiwin Cardoza (@rbkiwin1998) April 21, 2025
New meme!
Back in action!
RASHID KHAN IS NOT FINISHED. pic.twitter.com/jYQIzPoiyp
— Parmar #AavaDe (@ArrestJaiswal) April 21, 2025
Rashid Khan ko prime Rashid Khan ke tarah khel rahe???????????????
IM SO FRUSTRATED MAN WHAT THE HELL IS THIS— Jawaan🎯 (@TheSRKian) April 21, 2025
Miss the chance!
Proper meme!
Venkatesh Iyer LBW review off Rashid Khan’s bowling… Proper meme template with Siraj and Rashid 😂#IPL2025
— Kiwin Cardoza (@rbkiwin1998) April 21, 2025
The bond between Rashid Khan and Mohammed Siraj ❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/r1zS5zqesx
— Ahmed Says (@AhmedGT_) April 21, 2025
he is back!
Breaking
Rashid Khan is back on track 🔥— auqib (@auqibhabib) April 21, 2025
