Rabada's IPL absence due to drug use

Kagiso Rabada has missed a month of this year's IPL because of recreational drug use, the fast bowler said in a statement on Saturday (May 3). Rabada played only two games for Gujarat Titans before returning to South Africa on April 3.

The franchise said at the time he had gone home to attend to "an important personal matter". Cricbuzz understands Rabada is on his way back to India, presumably to resume playing in the IPL.

In a statement issued by the South African Cricketers' Association (SACA), Rabada was quoted as saying he had travelled back to South Africa "due to my returning an adverse analytical finding for the use of a recreational drug", and that he was "serving a provisional suspension".

When Titans fans can expect to see Rabada back in action is not clear. Exactly which drug he used is also as yet unknown, but the length of his absence could be a clue. Considering Rabada is soon to be back in India, his return to the field is surely imminent.

As for the substance, last year Doug Bracewell served a one-month ban for cocaine use. In 2021, Matt Bekker, a South African powerlifter, was suspended for a month after testing positive for tetrahydrocannabinol, which is found in cannabis.

"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."

Gujarat don't seem to be missing Rabada. They have won seven of their 10 games and are second in the standings. Two wins from their remaining three matches should put them in the playoffs.

But Rabada, the USD 1.28 million buy, is still a key component of the GT bowling unit and it remains to be seen if he'll return for their clash against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede on Tuesday.