Sunil Narine vs Rashid Khan: When two of the most impactful T20 bowlers clash, it’s not just a contest of skills—it’s a chess match. Sunil Narine, the mystery man from the Caribbean, has been a game-changer for Kolkata Knight Riders for over a decade. Meanwhile, Rashid Khan, the Afghan leg-spin maestro, has turned heads with his consistency and explosive lower-order hitting for Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Titans.
As IPL 2025 rolls on, let’s dive into a detailed comparison between two elite spinners who’ve transformed modern T20 cricket with both ball and bat.
This article breaks down their impact based on key IPL stats.
Sunil Narine vs Rashid Khan Comparison
1. Total Runs
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Sunil Narine: 1664 runs (116 innings)
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Rashid Khan: 567 runs (63 innings)
Narine has been used more often as a pinch-hitting opener, giving him a clear edge in aggregate runs. Rashid, however, has played some fiery cameos down the order.
2. Batting Strike Rate
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Sunil Narine: 167.24
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Rashid Khan: 163.40
Both players boast outrageous strike rates. Narine edges Rashid slightly, with his boundary-heavy approach in the powerplay overs. Rashid, on the other hand, delivers late-innings fireworks.
3. Sixes and Fours
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Sunil Narine: 108 sixes, 176 fours
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Rashid Khan: 40 sixes, 40 fours
Narine is ahead by a mile in both departments, reflecting his role as an aggressor at the top. Rashid’s lower-order position limits his time at the crease, but he still packs a punch.
4. Total Wickets
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Sunil Narine: 187 wickets (183 matches)
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Rashid Khan: 153 wickets (128 matches)
Narine leads in overall wickets, but Rashid’s per-match impact is undeniable. Both bowlers are genuine wicket-takers and have multiple seasons as top spinners for their teams.
5. Economy Rate
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Sunil Narine: 6.75
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Rashid Khan: 6.98
Narine slightly edges Rashid here. Both are among the most economical bowlers in IPL history—brilliant at squeezing runs out of any surface.
6. Bowling Strike Rate
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Sunil Narine: 22.47
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Rashid Khan: 19.71
Rashid takes wickets more frequently, showing just how dangerous he is with the ball. His quicker action and ability to deceive batters in flight make him a constant threat.
Team Influence
Sunil Narine has been a cornerstone of KKR’s success, including their 2012 and 2014 title wins. Whether opening the batting, bowling in the powerplay, or controlling the middle overs, Narine’s versatility is unmatched. His mystery spin and fearless intent give him an edge as a true T20 innovator.
Rashid Khan brings unmatched consistency to whichever side he plays for. From SRH to GT, his leg-spin and quick arm speed make him one of the hardest bowlers to read. Add to that his electric fielding and explosive cameos with the bat—Rashid is the complete T20 package.
Final Verdict
Sunil Narine is the original mystery spinner and pinch-hitter—a dynamic all-rounder who can win you games with either skill.
Rashid Khan is the modern T20 specialist—crafty with the ball, lethal with the bat, and always up for the big moments.
One brings unpredictability and power; the other delivers precision and pressure. When they meet on the field, it’s not just a battle of spinners—it’s a clash of T20 titans.
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