Sai Kishore Backs ‘Best T20 Bowler’ Rashid Khan Amid Form Concerns in IPL 2025

Gujarat Titans’ spinner R Sai Kishore has shown strong support for his teammate and spin partner Rashid Khan, who has struggled to find rhythm in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.

Despite his form dip, Rashid showed signs of a turnaround during GT’s 39-run win against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Monday.

Rashid’s Best Performance This Season

Rashid, who has picked up just six wickets in eight matches this season, delivered his best performance yet at Eden Gardens. He returned with figures of 2 for 25, playing a crucial role in restricting KKR to 159/8 in their chase of GT’s 198/3.

After the match, former England cricketer Nick Knight, part of the commentary team, asked Kishore about Rashid’s performance so far.

Kishore Calls Rashid the Best in the Business

“What about Rashid Khan? Your spin twin. It hasn’t been the ideal tournament for him. But a couple of wickets (today) in crucial time, how’s it going for him?” Knight asked during the post-match interaction.

Responding confidently, Kishore said, “He’s one of the best T20 bowlers in the world. He’s getting his wicket-taking knack back. As a team, we don’t doubt his abilities, I don’t know what it’s like in the commentary box. We all believe in him and I still believe he’s the best T20 bowler in the world.”

Knight replied in agreement, “We never doubt him. That’s why we want him to do well.”

Titans’ Batting Sets Up Commanding Win

GT’s dominant win was laid on the foundation of a solid opening partnership between Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan. Gill scored 90 off 55 balls, while Sudharsan contributed 52 runs.

Their 114-run stand gave Gujarat a strong base, followed by Jos Buttler’s quickfire unbeaten 41 off 23 balls that pushed their total to 198/3.

KKR’s Struggles Continue

In reply, KKR lost wickets at regular intervals, despite a fighting half-century from captain Ajinkya Rahane, who scored 50.

Rashid dismissed Sunil Narine during the powerplay and later removed Andre Russell in the 16th over, denting KKR’s chances further. KKR suffered their fifth defeat in eight matches, while GT registered their sixth win.

Kishore Praises Rashid’s Impact

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Kishore highlighted how Rashid’s return to form lifted the entire team’s morale.

“It’s definitely great to see him back. As a team, we never doubted him—never doubted his abilities. He’s the best T20 bowler in the world. I think he’s taken the most wickets in the format – I’m not exactly sure about the stats, but I believe he’s right up there. It’s just good to have him back,” said Kishore.

He also spoke about the nature of wicket-taking in T20 cricket. “In T20s, you don’t always go hunting for wickets. They often come as a result of how well you defend. It’s not like red-ball cricket where you work hard to create those chances—here, wickets are more of a by-product. So it’s great to see him picking up wickets again. He’s back in form, and that really lifts the confidence of the whole team,” he added.

Stats and Next Fixture

Despite the win, Rashid’s overall numbers this season remain underwhelming, with only six wickets in eight games and an economy rate of 9.26. However, Monday’s performance signals a potential resurgence.

Gujarat Titans, currently among the top teams on the points table with 12 points and a net run rate of +1.104, will next face Rajasthan Royals on April 28 at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.