Kagiso Rabada Misses RCB vs PBKS Clash as South African Pacer Returns Home Due to Personal Reasons
Kagiso Rabada will not feature in today’s RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 match. The South African speedster has returned home, creating a void in Gujarat Titans' pace attack after just two appearances this season.
Key Highlights:
Kagiso Rabada, one of the premier fast bowlers in world cricket, has been ruled out of today’s RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 fixture — not because of injury, but due to personal circumstances. Rabada, who was signed by Gujarat Titans (GT) for a hefty INR 10.75 crore at the IPL auction, has flown back to South Africa and will not feature in any fixtures for the foreseeable future.
His absence was confirmed by the Gujarat Titans management ahead of their last outing, leaving fans speculating about his sudden mid-season exit.
Limited Impact Before Exit – Rabada’s Brief IPL 2025 Stint
Before his departure, Rabada featured in just two matches for GT:
- 1/35 vs PBKS
- 1/31 vs MI
Despite being one of the top-priced bowlers, Rabada didn’t get a prolonged run in the playing XI. His sharp pace, death-over skills, and reputation had made him a core part of GT’s early bowling plans.
“We fully respect Kagiso’s decision to return home. Family comes first,” a GT spokesperson said in a press release.
Kagiso Rabada’s Career Stats in IPL So Far
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Matches | 71 |
| Wickets | 106 |
| Economy Rate | 8.42 |
| Best Figures | 4/21 |
| IPL Seasons | Since 2017 |
He remains one of the most consistent overseas pacers in IPL history, and his unavailability will certainly be felt — especially by GT, who are already struggling with bowling depth this season.
Impact on Gujarat Titans’ Campaign
With Kagiso Rabada out, GT’s bowling attack will have to rely on:
- Umesh Yadav for experience
- Sai Kishore and Noor Ahmad for spin
- R Sai Sudharsan and Shahrukh Khan for part-time support
The Titans have also tested younger quicks like Manav Suthar and Darshan Nalkande in Rabada’s absence — but the void is evident.
Cricbuzz Insight: GT’s average economy rate has increased from 8.22 to 9.15 in matches without Rabada.
Why Kagiso Rabada’s Absence Matters Beyond GT
Though Gujarat Titans are directly affected, Rabada’s absence alters the competitive balance of the league:
- RCB and PBKS, facing off tonight, would have otherwise had to strategize against him
- Fantasy cricket players are revising their combinations, given Rabada was a premium bowler pick
- South African cricket fans are also left wondering if national duties or family priorities led to this return
What This Means for Rabada’s 2025 Season
At the moment, neither GT nor Rabada has offered clarity on:
- Whether he will return later in the season
- Whether an official replacement will be signed
- If this signals a larger commitment shift for Rabada toward national assignments
“He was expected to lead Gujarat’s bowling unit — his absence now raises questions about the team’s balance and playoff hopes,” Cricbuzz analysts noted.
Kagiso Rabada’s IPL 2025 Timeline So Far
- Auction Buy: INR 10.75 crore by GT
- Matches Played: 2
- Wickets Taken: 2
- Return to South Africa: April 3, 2025
- Reason: Personal (undisclosed)
Fans React to Kagiso Rabada’s Exit
Social media has been flooded with responses from disappointed GT and PBKS fans who were hoping to see Rabada in action today.
“Not the same watching IPL without Rabada steaming in from the Pavilion End,” tweeted a PBKS fan, referencing his former team.
“GT without Rabada is like RCB without Kohli,” another fan posted.
Final Word: Rabada’s Absence Leaves a Big Hole in IPL 2025
Kagiso Rabada’s exit from IPL 2025 — even if temporary — is a big blow to Gujarat Titans and the league’s pace bowling spectacle overall. His match-winning abilities, especially in the death overs, are unmatched among overseas bowlers. Whether or not he returns later in the tournament, his absence will be felt — particularly tonight as PBKS and RCB lock horns without having to face one of the fiercest pacers in T20 cricket.
Disclaimer
This is a sponsored post in partnership with Cricbuzz. The content, including news insights, fantasy tips, and analysis, has been created for promotional purposes. Hindustan Herald and Cricbuzz do not guarantee the accuracy of all fantasy or player-related projections. Readers are advised to use discretion while participating in fantasy sports or placing any wagers. Fantasy gaming involves financial risk and can be addictive — please play responsibly.
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