T20 World Cup: No finish line in sight for Rashid Khan amidst milestone talks

T20 World Cup, SA vs AFG: Rashid Khan, despite nearing the 700 T20 wickets milestone, remains focused on playing for the team rather than playing for himself.

Most cricketers would be counting down whenever they are on the brink of a milestone. But Rashid Khan isn't. The Afghanistan spinner has made one thing clear—there is no finish line in sight.

"700 wickets, whatever the achievement is, it will continue. I have not kept any target in my mind that I will take 700 wickets and stop – no, I just try that when I play for the national team, and you play in the World Cup, then I make 100% effort," Rashid said at the pre-match press conference ahead of Afghanistan's crucial group-stage fixture against South Africa.

Sitting just three wickets away from the historic 700-mark in T20 cricket, Rashid's focus remains unshaken. For him, personal milestones take a backseat when the team needs him most. "When the team requires it, I take the wicket," he added, underlining his team-first mentality that has defined his career.

The stage is set for something special. Afghanistan will face South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad—a venue Rashid knows intimately from his time with Gujarat Titans in the IPL. Yet, despite the familiarity, the leg-spinner is wary of putting too much stock in past performances or pitch reports.

The numbers tell an interesting story. In 23 matches at this venue, Rashid has taken exactly 23 wickets—hardly the kind of dominance one might expect from a bowler of his calibre. This will also be his first appearance at the ground in Afghanistan colours, adding another layer of significance to the occasion.

But Rashid isn't letting statistics cloud his judgment. When asked about pitch conditions and expectations, he was refreshingly candid about the unpredictability of the game.