Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott believes that the absence of Rashid Khan from the T20I series against India will be an opportunity for other players to step up ahead of the first match of the series in Mohali.

Afghanistan’s celebrated leg-spinner Rashid Khan has been sidelined from the upcoming T20I series against India, a significant blow to the team given his prowess on the cricket field.

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Rashid is currently in the process of recovery from lower-back surgery, which has rendered him unfit for competitive play. Despite travelling with the team to India, he will not be participating in the matches, leaving a gap in Afghanistan’s spin attack.

The three-match T20I series, set to commence in Mohali, will proceed without Rashid’s expertise, as he focuses on his rehabilitation with hopes of returning to the pitch fully fit. Despite the big hole left in the side by the leg-spinner’s absence, Trott is hoping that others will step up for the side.

Good opportunity for other players to come in and step up in Rashid Khan’s absence: Jonathan Trott

Speaking ahead of the first match to JioCinema, Trott said he believes it is the best chance for some of the players to become a household name like Rashid Khan. The Afghanistan coach said the leg-spinner will be dearly missed by the team in the series against India but is hoping to see some of the other players shine heading into the T20 World Cup.

I believe, with Rashid out of the side, it’s a good opportunity for other players to come in and step up and become household names like he is. Obviously, we are going to miss a player like Rashid, his leadership and the overall package he brings to the side. But it’ll be good to see who is going to stand up and take responsibility and pressure, just a couple of months after the World Cup.

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