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Gujarat Titans' fast bowler Kagiso Rabada departed from the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season a month ago. At the time, the franchise cited a 'personal' reason for his sudden departure. However, the South African speedster has now disclosed the actual circumstances, revealing that he was required to return home due to a 'provisional suspension' stemming from the use of recreational drugs. Rabada himself released a statement addressing the situation, providing clarity on the matter and indicating his intention to utilise this period for self-reflection. As of now, it remains uncertain whether Rabada will rejoin the Gujarat Titans before the conclusion of the current IPL season.
Kagiso Rabada served suspension for testing positive for banned recreational drug
He admitted that he was tested positive for a banned recreational drug which was the reason behind his absence from the ongoing IPL 2025.
“As has been reported, I recently returned to South Africa from participating in the IPL for personal reasons. This was due to my returning an adverse analytical finding for the use of a recreational drug. I am deeply sorry to all that I have let down. I will never take the privilege of playing cricket for granted. It goes beyond my personal aspirations," Rabada said in a statement.
“I am serving a provisional suspension, and I am looking forward to returning to the game I love playing. 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 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," he added.
Gujarat Titans, who have otherwise experienced an exceptional run in the current season, had previously released a statement regarding Kagiso Rabada's return to his home country last month. The experienced South African fast bowler featured in the franchise's initial two matches of the IPL 2025 season, against Punjab Kings (PBKS) and the Mumbai Indians (MI). In each of these games, Rabada managed to secure one wicket. However, he has been absent from the team's lineup since those opening fixtures.
Since Kagiso Rabada's departure from the squad, the responsibility of spearheading the Gujarat Titans' bowling attack has fallen upon the shoulders of other key bowlers. The likes of Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Ishant Sharma, and Gerald Coetzee have had to collectively shoulder the workload in his absence, taking on greater roles within the team's bowling strategy.
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