No timeline provided for South African pacer’s return

Gujarat Titans (GT) fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has returned to South Africa to address a personal matter, the franchise confirmed. While GT acknowledged his departure, they did not specify when he is expected to rejoin the squad.

Rabada featured in GT’s first two games of IPL 2025, taking 1 for 41 in their loss to Punjab Kings and 1 for 42 in their victory over Mumbai Indians. However, he was absent from GT’s third game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday, with his omission cited as being due to personal reasons.

In Rabada’s absence, GT fielded allrounder Arshad Khan, who dismissed Virat Kohli, while playing only three overseas players—Jos Buttler, Rashid Khan, and Sherfane Rutherford (who came in as an Impact Player during the chase). GT went on to secure a dominant eight-wicket victory with 13 balls to spare.

GT’s overseas options also include New Zealand allrounder Glenn Phillips and South African pacer Gerald Coetzee, both of whom are yet to feature this season, with Coetzee’s fitness status uncertain.

Currently sitting fourth on the points table with two wins and one loss, GT will face Sunrisers Hyderabad in an away fixture on April 6 before returning home to host Rajasthan Royals on April 9.