When South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada abruptly left the IPL in early April, fans and pundits alike were left scratching their heads.
The Gujarat Titans had only mentioned a “significant personal matter” without offering any detail — leading to plenty of speculation.
Now, the truth behind his withdrawal has come to light, and it’s both personal and deeply reflective.
A Difficult Confession During a Tough Time
Rabada has publicly confirmed that he tested positive for a recreational drug earlier this year during the SA20 tournament, where he was representing MI Cape Town.
The admission came via a heartfelt statement issued through the South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA), where Rabada owned up to his mistake and shared how seriously he’s taken the situation.
“I’m deeply sorry to all those that I have let down,” he said.
“Playing cricket has always been an incredible privilege — one that I’ll never take for granted again.”
The use of a recreational drug resulted in a provisional suspension, which he is currently serving.
Though the exact details of the suspension period haven’t been officially disclosed, there are indications that Rabada’s return to the field could happen fairly soon.
Cricket South Africa Stands Behind Him
Despite the scandal, it appears Cricket South Africa (CSA) is not panicking.
They’ve shown support for Rabada and, importantly, have not raised any concerns about his eligibility for upcoming key fixtures.
In fact, reports suggest that Rabada is expected to be available for the highly anticipated World Test Championship Final against Australia in June.
CSA’s trust in Rabada — both as a professional and a person — seems to remain intact.
His track record certainly speaks for itself: 327 Test wickets at an average of 22, plus another 168 in ODIs and 71 in T20Is.
Rabada Leans on His Support System
In his public statement, Rabada didn’t just take responsibility — he also made sure to thank those who’ve stood by him through the emotional fallout.
From his agent to CSA and SACA, and especially his family and friends, he acknowledged the unwavering support that’s helped him navigate what he described as an “embarrassing saga.”
“This moment will not define me,” he said. “I’m still the same player with the same hunger — and I’ll continue to work hard and play with passion.”
More Details Expected Soon
The South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS), which is aligned with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), is expected to release a full statement next week.
That update should provide more clarity on the timeline of Rabada’s return and the protocols followed since the positive test.
Moving Forward with Humility and Fire
For Rabada, this is clearly a moment of learning — but not the end of his story.
He’s faced adversity before and come out stronger.
Now, with a renewed focus and the backing of his team, fans, and federation, he seems ready to turn this low point into a turning point.
And as cricket fans, we can only hope that the Rabada who steps back onto the pitch in the coming weeks is not just the world-class bowler we know — but one with even more drive to prove what resilience really looks like.