Delhi bowler Kagiso Rabada has been ruled of the rest of the Indian T20 League owing to a back issue, and with the World Cup looming closer, Cricket South Africa (CSA) has advised him to return home as a precautionary measure.
AFP / Sajjad Hussain
23-year-old Rabada, who took 25 wickets in the 12 matches, is the current purple cap holder and spoke ahead of his departure. “It is indeed very hard for me to leave the Delhi Capitals at this stage of the tournament," he said. "But with the World Cup just a month away, a collective decision has been made for me in this regard. It’s been a tremendous season for me with the Delhi Capitals, both on and off the field, and I truly believe that our team can win the trophy.”
Delhi Capitals' Head Coach Ricky Ponting said, "It's unfortunate that Rabada is having to leave us at this stage of the tournament. But I have full confidence in our team, and I’m sure each and every member of this unit will step up to the occasion.”
Rabada had primarily complained about his niggle against team Bengaluru on April 28 before eventually missing the subsequent Chennai game on Wednesday. As a result, he underwent the scans and CSA has now advised him to return home.
Delhi have qualified for the playoffs of the Indian T20 League 2019, and play Rajasthan in their last league game of the season on the 4th of May, Saturday, at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium.
As far as South Africa are concerned, the team is already battling with a long list of injury, with pacers Dale Steyn, Anrich Nortje (shoulder injuries) and Lungi Ngidi (side strain) currently nursing their respective injuries.
