For nearly a decade, Adil Rashid has been the backbone of England’s white-ball success, seamlessly navigating the highs of two World Cup victories and the lows of recent struggles. As England faces a formidable India in the ongoing T20 series, the veteran leg-spinner continues to prove his worth, showing that age has only sharpened his skills.
A Crucial Figure in England’s White-Ball Revolution
Since England’s dramatic white-ball transformation following their disastrous 2015 Cricket World Cup campaign, Rashid has remained a key fixture. His international journey began in 2009 as a 21-year-old, but it wasn’t until six years later that he finally cemented his place in the side. Once he did, there was no looking back.
Now 36, Rashid remains an integral part of England’s plans. Whether playing a supporting role in England’s historic 2019 ODI World Cup triumph or spinning webs around batters in their victorious 2022 T20 World Cup campaign, his influence has been unwavering. Even amid the team’s recent struggles, Rashid continues to be a beacon of consistency.
England’s Triumph in Rajkot: Rashid’s Masterclass
Tuesday’s third T20 against India in Rajkot was a prime example of Rashid’s enduring brilliance. Though his figures of 1-15 from four overs might not seem extraordinary, they came at a crucial juncture. His spell was instrumental in England’s 26-run victory, keeping the five-match series alive.
Former India player and coach Ravi Shastri summed it up best: “Rashid is like red wine, he gets better and better.”
England’s fast bowlers—Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse, and Mark Wood—had done the early damage, reducing India to 17-3 inside the powerplay. However, with India still needing 110 runs from 78 balls and a well-set Tilak Varma at the crease, the match was far from over.
Rashid’s impact was immediate. He bowled Varma, a player who had amassed an astonishing 318 runs across his previous four T20I innings, with a perfectly executed leg-break. The delivery drifted, gripped, and turned just enough to beat the left-hander’s defenses—a textbook Rashid dismissal.
While Tilak was his only wicket, Rashid’s control over flight and pace stifled the Indian batting lineup, leaving them requiring 82 from the final six overs. By then, the game had firmly tilted in England’s favor.
England’s New Era: Rashid’s Leadership Role
Jos Buttler and new white-ball coach Brendon McCullum are steering England through a period of transition. Following their disappointing 2023 ODI World Cup campaign—where they crashed out in the group stage—England is reshaping its squad, with fresh faces replacing established veterans.
Gone from the setup are the likes of Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, Ben Stokes, Chris Jordan, and Chris Woakes. In their place, young talents such as Jacob Bethell, Jamie Smith, and Jamie Overton have stepped up. However, inexperience can be a liability, and this is where Rashid’s value truly shines.
Among England’s XI on Tuesday, only Buttler (132 T20I caps) and Rashid (122 T20I caps) boasted significant experience. Liam Livingstone, the next most capped player, has played just 58 matches. This makes Rashid not only a match-winner but also a mentor to the younger generation.
“Adil is the most important player in our team,” Buttler said after the match. “He was fantastic tonight. He has so many variations, so many different styles of bowling, so we are fortunate to have him in our team.”
A World-Class Spinner at His Peak
Rashid’s skill set has earned him the top spot in the ICC T20I bowler rankings, surpassing West Indies’ Akeal Hosein. His ability to adapt to different conditions and continuously evolve makes him a prized asset.
If England hopes to complete a stunning series comeback against India and start the Buttler-McCullum era with a statement, Rashid will undoubtedly play a decisive role. His influence goes beyond just wickets; his mere presence gives England the tactical flexibility needed to compete at the highest level.
England’s Tour of India – Results & Fixtures
T20I Series:
- First T20 (Kolkata): January 22 – India won by 7 wickets 🟢
- Second T20 (Chennai): January 25 – India won by 2 wickets 🟢
- Third T20 (Rajkot): January 28 – England won by 26 runs 🔴
- Fourth T20 (Pune): January 31 (1:30 PM UK time)
- Fifth T20 (Mumbai): February 2 (1:30 PM UK time)
ODI Series:
- First ODI (Nagpur): February 6 (8:00 AM UK time)
- Second ODI (Cuttack): February 9 (8:00 AM UK time)
- Third ODI (Ahmedabad): February 12 (8:00 AM UK time)
As England looks ahead to the final two T20Is and the ODI series, one thing is certain: Adil Rashid will remain at the heart of their success. Whether it’s turning matches with his magical leg-spin or guiding England’s younger players, Rashid’s presence is indispensable.
