As Afghanistan prepare for their one-off Test against India, the absence of star leg-spinner Rashid Khan has once again sparked debate about his future in red-ball cricket. While speculation continues to grow over whether the 26-year-old will play another Test match, Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi has chosen not to comment on the spinner’s long-term plans. Rashid, widely regarded as one of Afghanistan’s greatest cricketers, has been rested for the Test as part of a carefully managed workload programme.

The move is aimed at protecting his fitness and ensuring his availability for Afghanistan’s crucial white-ball assignments, where he remains one of the team’s most influential players. Addressing the media ahead of the match, Shahidi made it clear that any decision regarding Rashid’s Test future rests with the player and the selectors.

“Rashid has done well in the Tests that he has played. Personally I haven’t spoken to Rashid Khan about whether he would play Test again or not. He had discussions with selectors and I don’t want to talk about that,” Hashmatullah Shahidi said. The comments have done little to ease concerns about Rashid’s future in the longest format. Despite featuring in only six Test matches, the leg-spinner has built an outstanding record, claiming 45 wickets at an average of just over 21. His impact on Afghanistan’s Test journey has been immense, both as a match-winner and a leader.

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Rashid played a pivotal role in Afghanistan’s historic rise in Test cricket, helping the team secure memorable victories against Ireland and Bangladesh. His all-round performance against Bangladesh in 2019 remains one of the finest individual displays by an Afghan cricketer in Test cricket.

However, recurring fitness issues have significantly limited his appearances in recent years. The spinner has battled persistent back and shoulder problems, forcing the Afghanistan Cricket Board and medical staff to carefully manage his workload. Test cricket, with its extended bowling spells and physical demands, presents a unique challenge.

During previous Test matches, Rashid often bowled more than 50 overs in an innings and upwards of 60 overs in a match. Such workloads place considerable strain on his body, making regular participation in the format increasingly difficult. His packed global schedule has further complicated matters. As one of the most sought-after T20 cricketers in the world, Rashid continues to feature in major franchise leagues across multiple countries while remaining a cornerstone of Afghanistan’s ODI and T20I plans.

While Rashid’s future remains uncertain, Shahidi believes Afghanistan’s bigger concern is the lack of opportunities in Test cricket. Since gaining Test status in 2017 and making their debut against India in 2018, Afghanistan have struggled to secure a consistent red-ball calendar. “We played India in 2018. We have more experience now but we need to play more to build our Test team. When it comes to domestic cricket, we play six to seven red-ball games but Tests, we get only one or two games a year,” Shahidi explained.

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The captain also dismissed suggestions that Afghanistan’s leading players are prioritising franchise cricket over national duties. “Everyone knows that our guys do very well in franchise leagues and if you see our white-ball performances have been good. But even then, we have a lot of talent in Afghanistan who are waiting for their chance,” he added.

For now, Rashid Khan’s Test future remains unanswered. What remains beyond doubt, however, is his importance to Afghanistan cricket. Whether in red-ball or white-ball formats, he continues to be one of the country’s most valuable and influential cricketers.