Gujarat Titans have been dealt a blow for this year's IPL with the return home of one of their overseas stars.
On Thursday (April 3), a press release from the league announced that South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada had returned home to deal with a personal matter: "Gujarat Titans pacer Kagiso Rabada has returned to South Africa from the ongoing season of the TATA IPL due to some personal reasons. The South Africa international was a part of Gujarat Titans’ first two matches of the TATA IPL 2025."
“'Kagiso Rabada has returned to South Africa to deal with an important personal matter,' said in a statement by Gujarat Titans," added the release.
It has not yet been specified by the IPL or the Gujarat Titans when, or indeed if, Rabada will return to the competition.
The star quick was present at GT's pre-match practice session at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, one day out from their third league match of the campaign against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
However, on matchday yesterday (April 2), GT skipper Shubman Gill said at the toss that Rabada was not in the playing XI, or among the list of Impact substitutes, due to personal reasons. Left-armer Arshad Khan was selected in his place, as the 2022 champions went in with just two overseas players (Rashid Khan and Jos Buttler).
Released by Punjab Kings, Rabada was Gujarat's third-most expensive player signed at the player auction in November, for INR 10.75 crore. His GT debut came against Punjab on March 25, where he took 1-41. In Gujarat's second match of the campaign, Rabada took 1-42 against Mumbai Indians.
GT's seam bowling options to replace Rabada include compatriot Gerald Coetzee, as well as domestic players Gurnoor Brar and Kulwant Khejroliya, in addition to Arshad. Afghan all-rounder Karim Janat is also an option, while New Zealand's Glenn Phillips could give the side a different balance.
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