Proteas fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, who is nursing a stiff back, was rested by the Delhi Capitals for Wednesday’s Indian Premier League fixture against the Chennai Super Kings at the M Chidambaram Stadium in Chepauk.

Rabada is currently the 2019 IPL’s leading wicket-taker, with 25 in a dozen matches. He was replaced in the XI by New Zealand fast bowler Trent Boult. Fellow Proteas Faf du Plessis and Chris Morris, meanwhile, returned to the Super Kings and Capitals’ XI respectively.

The Proteas want Rabada’s fitness prioritised ahead of the World Cup in the United Kingdom next month. Fellow fast bowler Dale Steyn’s stint with the Royal Challengers Bangalore was ended by a shoulder injury last month.

‘Dale is definitely a concern,’ Cricket South Africa convenor of selectors Linda Zondi told Sport24.

‘We have looked after Dale ever since his injury back in Australia. The way he bowled when he came back from injury was really encouraging.

‘We are waiting for our medical team to let us know. I’m aware that he has seen the specialist already and we will be guided by them.’

Chennai and Delhi have already secured play-off berths, while the Royal Challengers have been ruled out of the running. The Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals, Kings XI Punjab and Mumbai Indians remain in contention.

Photo: SPORTZPICS for BCCI