The fast bowler Kagiso Rabada stated in a statement on Saturday (May 3) that he had missed a month of this year’s IPL due to recreational drug use. Rabada returned to South Africa on April 3 after playing just two games for the Gujarat Titans.
The franchise claimed that he had left to take care of “an important personal matter” at home at the time. According to Cricbuzz, Rabada is returning to India, most likely to play in the IPL again.
Rabada said he was “serving a provisional suspension” and that he had returned to South Africa “due to my returning an adverse analytical finding for the use of a recreational drug” in a statement released by the South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA).
It’s unclear when Titans supporters may anticipate seeing Rabada return to action. Although the specific substance he consumed is still unclear, the duration of his disappearance may provide some insight. Rabada’s return to the field is undoubtedly imminent given his impending return to India.
Regarding the drug, Doug Bracewell was banned for a month last year for using cocaine. Powerlifter Matt Bekker of South Africa was suspended for a month in 2021 after testing positive for the cannabis compound tetrahydrocannabinol.
“I am deeply sorry to all those that I have let down,” Rabada was quoted as saying. “I will never take the privilege of playing cricket for granted. This privilege is much larger than me. It goes beyond my personal aspirations.
“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.”
Rabada doesn’t appear to be missed in Gujarat. They are second in the rankings after winning seven of their ten games. They should qualify for the playoffs if they win two of their final three games.
Rabada, who cost USD 1.28 million, is still a vital member of the GT bowling unit, albeit it’s unclear if he’ll play in Tuesday’s match against the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede.
