South Africa pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada has returned to South Africa from the Indian Premier League to undergo rehabilitation for a lower limb soft tissue infection, the country’s cricket board confirmed on Wednesday.
In IPL 2024, Rabada represented Punjab Kings in 11 games and bagged 11 wickets at an economy of 8.86. With just 4 wins in their first 12 games, the Punjab Kings failed to make it to the playoffs and got eliminated from the playoff race.
“The 28-year-old consulted a specialist on arrival in South Africa and is being closely monitored by the Cricket South Africa medical team,” said Cricket South Africa (CSA) in a statement.
Cricket South Africa confirms that Rabada’s injury is unlikely to impact his preparation for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and USA.
“His preparation for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in West Indies and USA is not expected to be affected,” CSA added.
Without Kagiso Rabada, Punjab Kings will play their next match of the season against Rajasthan Royals on May 15 in Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati.
As far as the T20 World Cup 2024 is concerned, South Africa will play their first match of the tournament on June 3 against Sri Lanka at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York.
South Africa T20 World Cup 2024 Squad
Aiden Markram (c), Ottniel Baartman, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, David Miller, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs.
Travelling reserves: Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi
