South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has returned to India and is now available to play for the Gujarat Titans in their important IPL 2025 match against the Mumbai Indians on Tuesday, May 6. The 29-year-old was serving a one-month provisional suspension after testing positive for a recreational drug earlier this year.
Rabada’s suspension began after he failed a doping test conducted on January 21 during the SA20 match between MI Cape Town and Durban Super Giants. Although he was only informed of the result on April 1 while he was already in India for the IPL he was immediately withdrawn from the tournament, with his absence initially described as due to personal reasons. Rabada later issued a public apology, clearing the air about the real cause behind his sudden departure.
The South African Institute for Drug Free Sports (SAIDS) confirmed that Rabada’s ban had originally been set for three months but was reduced to one month.
With the suspension now over, Gujarat Titans’ Director of Cricket, Vikram Solanki, confirmed that Rabada is eligible to rejoin the squad.
“As far as tomorrow’s game is concerned, Kagiso is available for selection,” said Solanki during a press briefing. “He has shown genuine regret over his mistake, and all necessary protocols have been followed to allow him back into the team.”
Solanki also praised Rabada for being honest and cooperative throughout the process. The Titans had purchased the fast bowler for ₹10.75 crore at the IPL 2025 auction. Before the suspension, Rabada featured in just two matches and picked up two wickets.
Gujarat Titans look to get closer to playoffs
Currently, Gujarat Titans sit at fourth place on the points table with 14 points from 10 matches. With four games remaining and a strong Net Run Rate of +0.867, they are among the favorites to reach the Playoffs.
