Proteas speedster Kagiso Rabada has been withdrawn by Cricket South Africa from the IPL for precautionary reasons ahead of the World Cup.
The 23-year-old missed the Delhi Capitals’ match against the Chennai Super Kings on Wednesday. On Thursday, Cricket South Africa confirmed to ESPNcricinfo that scans were done on Rabada’s back.
The IPL franchise confirmed his absence from the tournament on Friday, stating that Cricket South Africa have withdrawn the youngster for precautionary reasons ahead of the World Cup.
? ANNOUNCEMENT ?@KagisoRabada25 to miss the rest of our season after being recalled by Cricket SA for precautionary reasons ahead of the World Cup.#ThankYouKagiso #ThisIsNewDelhi #DelhiCapitals pic.twitter.com/eUARj0i2Mv
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) May 3, 2019
This deepens the Proteas’ injury worries ahead of the World Cup, with all four of Ottis Gibson’s seamers now nursing injuries. Lungi Ngidi (side strain) and Anrich Nortje (shoulder) were forced to miss the IPL due to their respective niggles, and Dale Steyn (shoulder) was added to the injury list after playing just two matches for the Royal Challengers Bangalore.
CARDINELLI COLUMN: Proteas need Steyn to bounce back
Proteas team manager, Dr Mohammed Moosajee, says Rabada’s recall is precautionary, based on his history: ‘Kagiso experienced stiffness in his lower back a few days ago and was taken for scans for further investigation.
‘The scan results, combined with further assessment by our physiotherapist Craig Govender, who is fortunately in Delhi, led the CSA medical committee to the decision to withdraw him from the remainder of the IPL.
‘Kagiso has a history with back injuries, and the CSA medical team is taking the best measures to ensure he is fully fit for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup starting this month. He will consult with a back specialist upon his return and proceed with a treatment and rehab programme.’
Rabada is currently the 2019 IPL’s leading wicket-taker, with 25 wickets in 12 matches. He was replaced in the XI by New Zealand fast bowler Trent Boult. The Delhi Capitals play their next match on Saturday against the Rajasthan Royals.
Photo: Frikkie Kapp/Gallo Images
