Kagiso Rabada leaves IPL 2025 midway, returns to South Africa

South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has unexpectedly left the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 and returned to his home country.

Rabada, who was representing Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025, played only two matches before making an abrupt departure. The franchise had secured his services for INR 10.75 crore during the IPL 2025 mega-auction.

On Thursday, Gujarat Titans officially announced Rabada’s departure from the tournament.

“Kagiso Rabada has left IPL 2025 and returned to South Africa to attend to an important personal matter. He was featured in the first two matches for the Gujarat Titans but will no longer be available for the season,” the franchise said in a statement.

According to Indian media reports, the franchise stated that Rabada had returned to South Africa due to personal reasons.

However, Gujarat Titans did not disclose further details about Rabada’s sudden departure or provide any information regarding his potential return.

Rabada made his IPL 2025 debut for Gujarat Titans against Punjab Kings, where he bowled four overs, conceding 41 runs and taking one wicket. In his second match against Mumbai Indians, he picked up one wicket while conceding 42 runs.

The South African pacer made his IPL debut in 2017 and has previously played for Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings. Over his IPL career, he has played 82 matches and taken 119 wickets.

With Rabada’s sudden exit, Gujarat Titans now face a challenge in finding a suitable replacement for the remainder of the season.