IPL 2025: Kagiso Rabada Serves Provisional Suspension After Testing Positive For Recreational Drug

South African fast bowler is serving a provisional suspension after testing positive for a recreational drug. This development led to his departure from the Indian Premier League (IPL) on April 3. At the time, Gujarat Titans stated that Rabada had gone back home to handle a "significant personal matter."

Rabada expressed deep regret for his actions, stating, "I am deeply sorry to all those that I have let down. I will never take the privilege of playing cricket for granted. This privilege is much larger than me. It goes beyond my personal aspirations." He thanked his support system, including his agent, Cricket South Africa (CSA), Gujarat Titans, and his family, for their understanding and guidance during this challenging time.

🚨 STATEMENT FROM KAGISO RABADA 🚨

- Rabada serving a provisional suspension after an adverse analytical finding of the use of a Recreational Drug. pic.twitter.com/Odyx04x1fl

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 3, 2025

The suspension comes as a setback for Rabada, who has been an integral part of the Gujarat Titans in the IPL. His absence will likely impact the team's performance, and fans are eagerly awaiting his return to the game.

Rabada has expressed his eagerness to return to cricket, stating, "I am serving a provisional suspension, and I am looking forward to returning to the game I love playing." Despite this setback, he remains committed to his craft and is determined to make a strong comeback.

Gujarat Titans Trump Sunrisers Hyderabad By 38 Runs In High-Scoring Thriller At Ahmedabad

In a power-packed encounter at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the Gujarat Titans outclassed Sunrisers Hyderabad by 38 runs on May 2, 2025, continuing their strong campaign in IPL 2025. A fiery opening partnership and clinical bowling helped the Titans secure a comprehensive win in front of a roaring home crowd.

Gujarat Titans posted a formidable total of 224/6 in 20 overs, riding on stellar knocks from their top-order batters. Skipper Shubman Gill led from the front, smashing a blistering 76 off 38 balls, laced with 10 boundaries and 2 sixes. He found excellent support in Jos Buttler, who played with flair and aggression, scoring 64 off 37 balls, which included 3 fours and 4 towering sixes.

Batters set it up, bowlers sealed it! 🔥

A complete performance takes #GujaratTitans to 14 points placing them comfortably into 2nd place on the table! 💪

Up next #IPLonJioStar 👉 #RCBvCSK | SAT, 3rd MAY, 6:30 PM | Star Sports -1, Star Sports-1 Hindi, Star Sports-2, Star… pic.twitter.com/nOhDWV88iQ

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 2, 2025

In reply, Sunrisers Hyderabad could manage only 186/6 in 20 overs, falling short by 38 runs. Abhishek Sharma played a valiant knock at the top, hammering 74 off 41 balls with 4 boundaries and 6 sixes, keeping SRH in the hunt during the first half of the chase. However, the lack of substantial partnerships and disciplined bowling from GT derailed their momentum. Heinrich Klaasen added 23 off 18 balls, but the mounting required run rate proved too much for the SRH middle order to overcome.