afg vs can: Rashid Khan praises Jonathan Trott ahead of Trott's final game
Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan used the eve of the afg vs can clash to pay warm tribute to departing head coach Jonathan Trott, describing the former England batter as a defining influence on the team's rise. With this match marking Trott's final game in charge, the captain stressed both appreciation for past progress and the need for sustained improvement as opponents begin to counter Afghanistan's strengths.
Trott's imprint: raising standards and setting direction
Rashid underlined Trott's contribution in lifting the team's professionalism and consistency. "Tomorrow is Jonathan Trott's last game with us. We've had some unbelievable games and tours with him. He has been someone who has taken Afghanistan cricket to where it is now, " the captain said, capturing the sentiment inside the camp ahead of the final group fixture. He credited Trott with hard work across the squad and with putting the team on the "right way, right path, " a foundation he said will endure beyond Trott's tenure.
The coach-player relationship translated into tangible on-field gains: Afghanistan have become a side capable of challenging top teams in all formats. Rashid noted that the progress came through clarity of purpose and relentless effort, with Trott central to that transformation. As he prepares to step away, Trott leaves a dressing room more battle-tested and strategically sharper than when he arrived.
Immediate priorities: finish strong, then switch focus to Sri Lanka, the IPL and the ODI World Cup
While the farewell narrative is front and centre, the squad's schedule leaves no room for nostalgia. Afghanistan face Canada in their final T20 World Cup match, then have a series against Sri Lanka before the IPL window opens. Rashid reminded teammates that the work continues: keeping skills honed and adapting to opposition plans will be crucial as teams now prepare specifically for Afghanistan's strengths.
Rashid also pointed to longer-term goals, highlighting the upcoming 50-over World Cup in South Africa as a major focus. "We had a great 2023 World Cup, but we look forward to improving the things we didn't do well and keep improving each and every day, " he said. That mindset is intended to sustain momentum and close gaps identified in limited-overs campaigns.
Squad dynamics, Nabi's future and lessons from a tough group run
On the question of experienced all-rounder Mohammad Nabi's international future, Rashid was clear that the decision rests with the player. He praised Nabi's fitness and attitude — noting fielding and running standards that match younger team-mates — but emphasised that continued selection depends on enjoyment and personal choice.
Reflecting on Afghanistan's campaign, Rashid acknowledged a brutal early schedule that pitted them against two of the tournament favourites back-to-back. He described those fixtures as margin-for-error situations: "You don't have any mistake to make, and any mistake which takes you out of the competition. " Close contests — notably the narrow loss to South Africa — underlined how T20 cricket can hinge on a few moments and why continual small improvements matter.
As Trott prepares for his final outing in the dressing room, the message from the captain is both tribute and challenge: be proud of the progress, but keep evolving. The farewell will be noted in the moment, but Afghanistan's roadmap is focused on staying ahead of tactical counters and sharpening individual responses when pressure arrives.
