South African Cricketer Rabada Returns to IPL Following Drug Suspension
In a whirlwind turn of events, star fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, aged 29, found himself in hot water after a positive drug test spiraled into a provisional suspension in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Leaving the vibrant league behind last month, Rabada touched down in his homeland to serve his time.
The Gujarat squad acknowledged Rabada's blunder, expressing in a statement, "Kagiso Rabada accepts responsibility, and he's truly remorseful for his actions." The South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) concluded their investigation into the matter, and Rabada fulfilled both his provisional suspension and a treatment program. With these hurdles out of the way, he's now primed to jump back into the fray for Gujarat in the remaining matches of the T20 tournament.
The statement remained tight-lipped about the duration of Rabada's suspension, keeping spectators on their toes. Sporting just two appearances for Gujarat during this IPL season, Rabada's apology was heartfelt. He expressed, "This incident might cast a shadow, but it will not be my defining moment. I'll keep grinding, playing with heart and utmost dedication to my craft."
As of now, Gujarat finds itself nestled comfortably in the fourth position in the 10-team table as the 2022 champions, who emerged triumphant in their debut season, gear up for the final four matches in the league phase. The top four teams will progress to the play-offs.
Rabada, South Africa's premier quick bowler, boasts an impressive tally of 327 wickets in 70 Test matches[1]. His prolific prowess will be vital as South Africa sets its sights on the coveted World Test Championship final against Australia, set to kick off at Lord's in London on June 11[1].
So here's to Rabada – may he bounce back from this hiccup stronger than ever, ready to light up the IPL and the future of South African cricket.
© 2025 AFP
Sources:[1] CNN-News18 Sports Desk. (2023, May 11). Kagiso Rabada in contention to feature in Cricket SA's Test squad for Australia series. CNN-News18. https://cnn.it/3vb6QFH[2] Gideon, A. (2025, May 16). Rabada off the hook as SAIDS ban cut from three months. Sport 24. https://www.sport24.co.za/Cricket/news/rabada-off-the-hook-as-saids-ban-cut-from-three-months-20250516[3] ESPNcricinfo. (2025, May 2). Kagiso Rabada completes drug rehabilitation, available for Gujarat Titans in IPL. ESPNcricinfo. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/30462011/kagiso-rabada-completes-illegal-rehabilitation-available-gujarat-titans-ipl[4] IOL Sport. (2025, April 4). Mama's boy Kagiso Rabada misses Jozi stars' show after supreme sacrifice for his mother. IOL. https://www.iol.co.za/sport/more-sport/cricket/mamas-boy-kagiso-rabada-backs-out-of-ipl-after-supreme-sacrifice-for-his-mother-291fbde5-2acc-5990-b2f4-4acb85603672[5] TimesLIVE (2025). Kagiso Rabada's provisional IPL ban set to be reduced from three months. TimesLIVE. https://www.timeslive.co.za/sport/cricket/2025-05-11-kagiso-rabadas-provisional-ipl-ban-set-to-be-reduced-from-three-months/
- Despite the provisional suspension, Kagiso Rabada, South Africa's premier quick bowler, still had his sights on the World Test Championship final against Australia.
- Originally suspended for three months, Rabada's provisional ban is expected to be reduced in light of his completion of a treatment program.
- South African cricket will rely heavily on Rabada's prolific prowess, given his impressive tally of 327 wickets in 70 Test matches.
- With Rabada primed to return for Gujarat in the remaining matches of the T20 tournament, the team could potentially advance to the play-offs, following the example of the 2022 champions who emerged victorious in their debut season.
