Rabada withdrew from the IPL on April 3, where he played for the Gujarat Titans, which was originally called a “significant personal matter” by the franchise.
South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada recently returned to India after recently completing a temporary suspension of testing positive for recreational drugs in the SA20 Championship earlier this year. The incident occurred when Rabada worked for Mi Cape, and Espncricinfo confirmed that the substance in question was not enhanced.
Rabada left the IPL on April 3, where he represented the Gujarat Titans, initially attributed to important personal matters by the franchise. At the time, no details were provided about his absence or why he could potentially return to the game. Rabada is now back in India.
Kagiso Rabada admitted in a statement released by the South African Cricketers Association (SACA) that he had served in a temporary suspension after testing positive for recreational drugs. However, the statement did not specify the exact substance he tested positive, nor did it state whether the test was conducted in competition (IC) or exit competition (OOC).
“As already reported, I recently returned to South Africa from attending the IPL for personal reasons. This is due to my poor analysis of the use of recreational drugs.
“I'm so sorry for all the people who have let me down. I'll never enjoy the privilege of cricket. This privilege is much greater than mine. It goes beyond my personal wishes. I'm temporarily suspended and I look forward to my enjoying playing games.”
“I can’t go through this alone. I want to thank my agent CSA and Gujarat Titan for their support. I also want to thank SACA and my legal team for their guidance and advisors. Most importantly, I want to thank my friends and family for their understanding and love.
Moving forward, this moment will not define me. I will continue to do what I have been working hard and full of passion and dedication. ”
At the IPL 2025 auction, Gujarat Titans acquired Kagiso Rabada for up to Rs 1,075 crore. However, his tenure with the team was short as he managed to compete in only two games before returning to South Africa on April 3.
In his first match for Gujarat, Rabada won 41 runs and won a wicket in the victory over the Punjab Kings. In the subsequent match against the Mumbai Indians, he ended with a score of 42 and then exited prematurely.
Despite the early departure of Rabada, the Gujarat Titans flourished, winning seven of 10 games and currently ranks second in the standings. The remaining three fixtures require only two wins, and the Gujarat Titans are in a good position to secure a playoff position.
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