In a surprising development, Gujarat Titans’ star pacer Kagiso Rabada has returned to South Africa midway through the IPL 2025 season due to personal reasons. The franchise confirmed his departure but did not disclose the specific nature of the issue or how long he will be unavailable. Rabada’s sudden absence is a setback for the Titans, who are currently on a two-match winning streak.
Speculation began when Rabada was left out of the playing XI for the clash against Royal Challengers Bangalore. Initially, it appeared to be a tactical decision by captain Shubman Gill. However, the team later clarified that Rabada was unavailable due to personal reasons. Gujarat Titans issued a statement saying, “Kagiso Rabada has returned to South Africa to deal with an important personal matter.”
Rabada, signed by Gujarat Titans for INR 10.75 crore, came into the season with high expectations following successful stints with Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings. However, he struggled to find his rhythm in IPL 2025. In the two matches he played, Rabada picked up only two wickets, with a strike rate of 24 and an economy rate nearing 11. His underwhelming performance raised questions, with some speculating that poor form led to his exclusion from the RCB game. Those assumptions were later proven wrong.
Despite his modest start, Rabada’s experience and pace were seen as crucial assets, especially during the powerplay. His absence leaves a noticeable void in Gujarat’s bowling attack. With no timeline provided for his return, the Titans will have to quickly rethink their bowling strategy as they aim to continue their strong form in the tournament.
Leave a Reply