Before leaving for South Africa at the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, Kagiso Rabada played just two games for the Gujarat Titans (GT). He might return when GT plays the Mumbai Indians (MI) on Tuesday, April 6.
The South African Institute for Drug Free Sports (SAIDS) revealed in a statement that Kagiso Rabada had failed a doping test on January 21 after MI Cape Town and Durban Super Giants played in the SA20. On April 1, when he was in India playing for the Gujarat Titans in the IPL, he received word of the outcome. For “personal reasons” at the time, the South African pacer had gone back home.
Kagiso Rabada then took part in an education and awareness campaign to stop more substance usage, according to SAIDS.
He is expected to make his competitive cricket comeback in a pivotal match against MI at the legendary Wankhede Stadium, and GT supporters will be overjoyed to see him back in the lineup.
After describing the event as “regrettable” in a statement released on Saturday afternoon, Cricket South Africa (CSA) is unlikely to discipline Rabada further. The CSA is pleased with Rabada’s “commitment to upholding professional standards” following his apology via the South African Cricketers’ Association following the public revelation of his positive drug test.
“I sincerely apologise to everyone I have disappointed. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to play cricket. This is a far greater advantage than myself. It surpasses my own goals,” Rabada remarked.
Gujarat is now in a great position to go to the 2025 IPL playoffs. With seven victories and three losses from ten games, they are ranked fourth in the standings.
Additionally, Kagiso Rabada will be ready for next month’s World Test Championship (WTC) final between Australia and South Africa. With 47 wickets at an average of 19.97 during the 2023–2025 WTC cycle, the 29-year-old was South Africa’s top wicket-taker. His success will be crucial to the Proteas’ chances of taking home their first-ever WTC championship.
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