Published on: May 7, 2025 4:30 pm IST|Updated on: May 7, 2025 4:30 pm IST
South African premier fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has officially returned to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 and has rejoined his franchise, i.e., the Gujarat Titans, after nearly a month away from the tournament. Rabada had been serving a one-month suspension following a positive test for a recreational drug during the SA20 League earlier this year.
GT’s star pacer Kagiso Rabada featured in the team’s opening game of the season against the Punjab Kings. That was the game GT lost by 11 runs at home, but since then, he returned home to deal with his one-month suspension for the use of a recreational drug.
Rabada’s absence was initially attributed to personal reasons, but later reports confirmed that he had tested positive for a substance of abuse in January 2025. The South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) imposed a three-month ban, which was reduced to one month after Rabada completed a rehabilitation and education program.
After returning from his ban, Rabada issued a statement which read,
“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 further 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 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 further 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.”
Now cleared to play, Rabada is expected to bolster GT’s bowling attack as they push for a playoff spot. However, despite being available for selection, he was not included in GT’s playing XI for their match against the Mumbai Indians. Captain Shubman Gill stated that Rabada needed more time to regain his rhythm before returning to action.
After a crucial win last night over the Mumbai Indians by 3 wickets, the Gujarat Titans have crawled up to the pole position in the points table. With 8 wins and 3 losses from 11 matches, the Titans have almost confirmed a spot in the playoffs. Even if Titans lose their remaining three fixtures, they will get through the top 4 but won’t finish among the top 2.
Talking about Rabada, despite missing the last game against Mumbai Indians, the tall and lanky pacer is expected to feature in the remaining 3 games of the team. GT will play Delhi Capitals in an away game on 11th May, Lucknow Super Giants at home on 14th May, and Chennai Super Kings on 18th May at home.
Kagiso Rabada made his IPL debut in the 2017 season with the Delhi Capitals. He was a key figure in Delhi’s bowling lineup from the start and represented the team for four straight seasons. In the 2022 mega auctions, the star pacer was bought for a whopping INR 9.25 crore by the Punjab Kings. From 2022 to 2024, Rabada represented Punjab Kings and led their bowling attack. In the 2025 mega auctions last season, 2022 champions Gujarat Titans got hold of Rabada for a whopping 10.75 crores. Below is the journey of Kagiso Rabada in IPL over the years.
Tags: IPL 2025