Kagiso Rabada leaves IPL early, expected to be available for T20 World Cup

Star pacer Kagiso Rabada has returned to South Africa to undergo rehabilitation for a lower limb soft tissue infection, as confirmed by Cricket South Africa (CSA) in their recent announcement. “The 28-year-old consulted a specialist on arrival in South Africa and is being closely monitored by the Cricket South Africa medical team,” said the release. The infection, however, will have no bearing on Rabada’s preparation or participation in the T20 World Cup, as Cricket South Africa expect him to be fit for the tournament. It cuts short the 28-year-old’s stint with the PBKS in the ongoing season of the Indian Premier League, where he picked up 11 wickets in as many games at an economy of 8.86.

IPL 2024 Full Coverage | IPL 2024 Points Table and Standings | 2024 IPL Full Schedule

“Yeah, there will be (changes to the Playing XI). We know Rabada’s gone home injured, so we’ve got to find a replacement. Liam Livingstone has also been called back by the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board). There’ll be a change there also. We’ll meet later tonight to finalise the 11 or 12 that we’ll go in with. Tomorrow’s game is about going out there and expressing oneself. We are out of the tournament, which is disappointing, but it’s still another opportunity for the younger guys and the team to develop,” Haddin said.

Rabada is expected to play a vital role in South Africa’s T20 World Cup campaign as the spearhead of their pace attack, having been named in the squad on 30 April. The upcoming tournament in the West Indies and USA will mark his fourth appearance representing the Proteas in the T20 World Cup, having featured in the previous three editions in 2016, 2021 and 2022.