Gujarat Titans fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has disclosed the real reason behind his prolonged absence in the ongoing IPL 2025. As per Rabada, he returned to South Africa after he was tested positive for recreational drug use.
Notably, Rabada played only two games and scalped as many wickets for the Titans in this season. Thereafter, he was said to have headed home due to “significant personal matter”. Moreover, no specific timeline was provided by the frachise regarding his return to India.
However, the speculations have been put to rest by Rabada himself through the South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA). He admitted to the drug use and apologized for his actions. The 29-year-old said:
“As has been reported, I recently returned to South Africa from participating in the IPL for personal reasons,” Rabada said in his statement. “This was due to my returning an adverse analytical finding for the use of a recreational drug.
“I am deeply sorry to all those that I have let down. I will never take the privilege of playing cricket for granted. This privilege is much larger than me. It goes beyond my personal aspirations.”
He added:
“I couldn’t have gone through this alone. I’d like to thank my agent, CSA, and Gujarat Titans for their support. I’d also like to thank SACA and my legal team for their guidance and counsel. Most importantly I’d like to thank my friends and family for their understanding and love.
“Moving forward, this moment will not define me. I will keep doing what I have always done, continuously working hard and playing with passion and devotion to my craft.”
As per ESPNcricinfo, Kagiso Rabada likely involved in a breach during his participaton in the SA20. The tournament took place in January-February earlier this year.
A look at Kagiso Rabada’s track record in IPL
Kagiso Rabada made his IPL debut in 2017 for Delhi Capitals. The 2019 edition saw him impress the cricket fraternity by emerging as the franchise’s top wicket-taker with 25 wickets. His contributions paved the way for the Capitals to progress to the playoffs.
Rabada was the Purple Cap holder in the 2020 season with 30 scalps, as the Capitals ended the season as the runner-ups. Playing with the franchise until 2021, the Proteas pacer represented Punjab Kings from 2022-24.
So far, Kagiso Rabada has scalped 119 wickets in 82 games at an economy of 8.53, with best figures of 4/21.
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