By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Proteas fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has returned to India to join his IPL side Gujarat Titans (GT) and is available to play the franchise’s next game, against Mumbai Indians on Tuesday.
Rabada, 29, left the Indian Premier League to return home last month after a positive drug test resulted in him serving a provisional suspension.
“Kagiso Rabada has accepted responsibility and regrets his mistake,” Gujarat said in a statement.
“South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) has completed the investigation. Rabada has honoured his provisional suspension and has also completed a programme. He is now fully available for selection in the remaining matches of the IPL.”
The statement did not specify the length of the suspension.
Rabada, who played just two matches for Gujarat in this season of the T20 tournament, was “deeply sorry” for his actions.
“This moment will not define me. I will keep doing what I have always done, continuously working hard and playing with passion and devotion to my craft,” Rabada said.
Gujarat are placed fourth in the 10-team table with four league matches left for the 2022 champions, who won the IPL in their debut season.
Rabada is the leader of the Proteas bowling attack, and without him the bowling group is significantly less threatening.
His return to play is significant as South Africa take on Australia in the World Test Championship final beginning on 11 June at Lord’s Cricket Ground in England.
CSA released a statement late on Saturday confirming that Rabada committed an anti-doping rule violation, calling it “regrettable”.
The incident is regrettable, however, Rabada has reassured CSA and his fans of his commitment to upholding professional standards and has restated his passion to the sport of cricket and the country he represents with purpose,” CSA said.
“CSA is fully committed to drug-free sport and reminds cricket players, both professional and amateur, of the importance of adhering to all regulations. We are steadfast in our support to all players in this regard.
Rabada had been in good form and became just the sixth South African cricketer to take 300 Test wickets in October. He was the quickest-ever bowler to reach the landmark in terms of deliveries bowled, taking 11,817 balls.