Kagiso Rabada Returns to South Africa from IPL 2025 for Personal Reasons

Gujarat Titans have been dealt a major setback in the middle of their IPL 2025 campaign, with star pacer Kagiso Rabada heading back to South Africa due to personal reasons. The franchise confirmed his departure on Thursday but didn’t specify when he’d be back, simply stating that he had left "to deal with an important personal matter."

Rabada had already missed GT’s previous match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, and his absence will be felt in the games ahead. So far, the speedster had featured in two matches this season – picking up a wicket each against Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians. 

In his absence, GT turned to Arshad Khan, who made an instant impact against RCB by troubling Virat Kohli with the new ball before eventually dismissing him for just seven runs. Now, with no clear timeline on Rabada’s return, the Titans might have to look elsewhere for reinforcements. They do have options, though – Gerald Coetzee, another South African quick, was snapped up for INR 2.4 crore in last year’s auction, while Afghan all-rounder Karim Janat could also be in contention. 

Will he be Banned? #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/dQWCkoyJuX

— ScoreWaves (@ScoreWaves) April 3, 2025

Despite Rabada’s departure, Gujarat Titans have made a solid start to their season, sitting fourth in the table with two wins from their first three matches. Their next challenge comes against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 6, followed by a home fixture against Rajasthan Royals on April 9. Whether Rabada returns in time remains to be seen, but for now, GT will have to find a way to keep the momentum going without him. 

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