ZA Cricket

South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has temporarily left the Gujarat Titans (GT) squad in the IPL 2025 to attend to a personal matter back home. GT confirmed his departure in an official statement but did not provide a timeline for his return.

Rabada featured in GT’s opening two matches, taking 1 for 41 in a loss to Punjab Kings and 1 for 42 in a win over Mumbai Indians. He was absent from GT’s third game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, with the team citing personal reasons.

In his absence, allrounder Arshad Khan was drafted in and made an immediate impact, dismissing Virat Kohli. GT fielded just three overseas players—Jos Buttler, Rashid Khan, and Sherfane Rutherford (used as an Impact Player)—yet still secured a commanding eight-wicket win with 13 balls remaining.

Other overseas options for GT include New Zealand’s Glenn Phillips and fellow South African pacer Gerald Coetzee, neither of whom has featured yet. Coetzee’s fitness remains in question.

GT currently sit fourth on the table with two wins from three matches. They face Sunrisers Hyderabad away on April 6, followed by a home clash against Rajasthan Royals on April 9.