Kagiso Rabada out of IPL with back niggle
A back niggle has brought an early end to Kagiso Rabada's IPL season. Cricket South Africa has advised that the fast bowler return home as a precautionary measure ahead of the 2019 World Cup, which begins on May 30 with the tournament-opener pitting South Africa against hosts England.
Rabada, the leading wicket-taker of IPL 2019 with 25 in 12 games, had complained of discomfort after Delhi Capitals' match against Royal Challengers Bangalore on April 28. He missed Capitals' next match, against Chennai Super Kings on Wednesday, and underwent scans on his back the following day. Capitals shared the scan results with CSA, and on Friday the franchise confirmed that Rabada had been advised to return home. As a result, Rabada will miss Capitals' last league game, against Rajasthan Royals on Saturday, as well as their playoff matches.
"Kagiso experienced stiffness in his lower back a few days ago and was taken for scans for further investigation," South Africa team manager Mohammed Moosajee said. "The scan results, combined with further assessment by our physiotherapist Craig Govender. who is fortunately in Delhi, led the CSA medical committee to the decision to withdraw him from the remainder of the IPL.
"Kagiso has a history with back injuries and the CSA medical team is taking the best measures to ensure he is fully fit for the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup starting this month. He will consult with a back specialist upon his return and proceed with a treatment and rehab programme."
"It is indeed very hard for me to leave the Delhi Capitals at this stage of the tournament," a Capitals statement quoted Rabada as saying. "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."
Ricky Ponting, the Capitals coach, conceded that it was a "tough loss" but expected the team to cover for the star pacer's exit.
"It was a decision which was taken of our hands. It was a decision that Cricket South Africa made. He had a sore lower back in the last couple of games and after our last home game here it got a little worse," Ponting said. "So CSA took the decision as precautionary measure to ensure that he is fit for the World Cup.
"It's a massive loss obviously but it's a loss that we can cover. We have someone like Trent Boult, who is a world-class fast bowler. He had a terrific season for the Daredevils last year. With him coming to the side now we think we can cover for the loss of Rabada quite well."
The injury to Rabada is the latest in a long line of fitness worries for South Africa's fast bowlers ahead of the World Cup. Dale Steyn's IPL also ended prematurely following a shoulder injury, while Lungi Ngidi (side strain) and Anrich Nortje (shoulder) were ruled out even before the tournament began.