Gujarat Titans (GT) pacer Kagiso Rabada has traveled back home just a day after GT’s commanding 8-wicket victory against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The experienced fast bowler, who holds the record for the quickest 100 IPL wickets, has returned to South Africa citing “personal reasons.” Interestingly, Rabada was also absent from the RCB vs GT clash on Wednesday.
“Gujarat Titans pacer Kagiso Rabada has traveled back to South Africa from the ongoing IPL 2025 season due to personal reasons. The South African international featured in Gujarat Titans’ opening two matches of the tournament. ‘Kagiso Rabada has returned to South Africa to attend to an important personal matter,” Gujarat Titans stated in an official release.
GT’s Strong Performance Despite Rabada’s Absence
Rabada had an underwhelming start with the Gujarat Titans (GT) in IPL 2025. In the season opener against Punjab Kings (PBKS), he gave away 41 runs while picking up a solitary wicket, as the Titans suffered a defeat. His performance in the second match against Mumbai Indians (MI) wasn’t much improved, finishing with figures of 1/42.
Despite having taken just two wickets so far, Rabada remains the spearhead of GT’s pace attack, even with the presence of bowlers like Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Ishant Sharma. Recognized as one of the finest all-format pacers, Rabada was acquired by Gujarat Titans for a massive Rs 10.75 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah.
As Rabada returns to South Africa, he is likely to miss GT’s next match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on April 6. As a replacement, all-rounder Arshad Khan came in and made an instant impression by taking the massive wicket of Virat Kohli in the match between RCB and GT.
Despite Rabada’s unavailability, the Titans secured a dominant eight-wicket victory. Nevertheless, with the return date still unknown, GT’s overseas options are still limited with Glenn Phillips and Gerald Coetzee still not included in the playing XI. The team will try to maintain their winning rhythm in their next matches against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals.
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