NEW DELHI – In a significant development that has stirred the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, Gujarat Titans (GT) pacer Kagiso Rabada has left the tournament mid-way to return to South Africa for personal reasons. The franchise announced his departure on Thursday, without specifying how long he would be away.
“Kagiso Rabada has returned to South Africa to deal with an important personal matter,” GT stated in an official release. During his brief stint in the IPL this season, the 29-year-old fast bowler participated in two matches. In his first outing, he recorded figures of 1/41 against Punjab Kings, and in the subsequent game, he managed 1/42 against Mumbai Indians. His absence was notably felt during GT’s recent eight-wicket triumph over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, where Arshad Khan stepped in for Rabada and made an immediate impact by dismissing the formidable Virat Kohli early in the innings.
Acquired by GT for a hefty sum of Rs 10.75 crore during the mega auction held the previous year, Rabada’s track record in the IPL speaks volumes of his prowess. Over 82 matches, he has clinched 119 wickets at an impressive average of 22.29 and an economy rate of 8.53.
Despite Rabada’s departure, GT remains well-equipped with pace options such as Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Gerald Coetzee. The team is set to take on Sunrisers Hyderabad in their next encounter on Sunday, aiming to further their winning streak in the absence of their South African star.