Rashid Khan is currently experiencing a challenging season in the IPL, having taken only six wickets in eight matches with an economy rate approaching 10 runs per over. This performance follows a disappointing previous season where he secured just 10 wickets in 12 matches at an economy rate of 8.40. However, bringing this up to the Gujarat Titans may not be well-received. Former England cricketer Nick Knight, part of the IPL broadcasting team, discovered this when he attempted to discuss Rashid's performance with his spin-bowling partner, Sai Kishore.

Before the match against the Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens on Monday, Rashid had only four wickets in seven games. Nevertheless, he showcased flashes of his former brilliance by achieving figures of 2/25, marking his best performance of the season. Following the Titans' victory by 39 runs, Knight inquired about Rashid's form during the tournament. Kishore quickly defended Rashid, labeling him the 'best T20 bowler in the world' and emphasized that the team consistently supports him, as they are unaware of the pressures faced in the commentary box.

Knight reassured Kishore that the commentators also regard Rashid as one of the top players in the field and genuinely wish for his success.

"What about Rashid Khan? Your spin partner. This tournament hasn't been ideal for him. However, he took a couple of crucial wickets today; how is he performing?" Knight asked during the post-match presentation.

"He's among the best T20 bowlers globally. He's regaining his wicket-taking ability. As a team, we have complete faith in his skills; I can't speak for the commentary box. We all believe in him, and I still consider him the best T20 bowler in the world," Kishore responded.

"We never doubt him. That's why we want him to succeed," Knight concluded before proceeding to the next question.

Rashid, Kishore shine after Gill's dominance

Shubman Gill set the pace with an impressive 90 runs off 55 balls. Gujarat finished their innings at 198-3, thanks to a solid opening partnership of 114 runs between Sai Sudharsan, who scored 52, and Gill, which established a strong foundation for their total.

The bowlers then effectively limited Kolkata to 159-8, with captain Ajinkya Rahane standing out by scoring 50, marking Gujarat's sixth victory in eight matches.

"Our focus has been on playing quality cricket rather than the outcomes. Our fielding was exceptional today. We are concentrating on areas where we can improve as a team," stated Kishore, who took the crucial wicket of Venkatesh Iyer while conceding only 19 runs in his three overs.

Kolkata's chase began poorly as they lost Rahmanullah Gurbaz in the first over, with Mohammed Siraj trapping the Afghanistan wicketkeeper-batsman lbw for just one run.

Sunil Narine, batting as a left-hand opener, and Rahane responded with a series of boundaries, forming a quick partnership of 41 until Afghanistan's leg-spinner Rashid Khan intervened.

Rashid dismissed Narine, who scored 17, before Rahane and Venkatesh Iyer built another partnership to keep Kolkata's hopes alive.

Sai Kishore then claimed Iyer's wicket for 14, and fellow spinner Washington Sundar stumped Rahane after he reached his fifty, disrupting the chase.

Andre Russell provided a brief surge with a quick 21 runs off 15 balls, hitting three fours and a six, but Rashid secured his second wicket by having him stumped by Buttler.

Prasidh Krishna, the season's leading bowler, then took two wickets in a single over, bringing his total to 16.

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