South Africa’s Rabada Cleared for IPL After Suspension

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Kagiso Rabada Cleared to Return for Gujarat Titans After Drug Suspension

Star South African Pacer Set to Play Against Mumbai Indians

AHMEDABAD, INDIA — Kagiso Rabada, the premier South African fast bowler and a key figure for the Gujarat Titans, has been cleared to return to action in the Indian Premier League (IPL) following a one-month suspension related to a failed drug test.

Rabada, 29, had tested positive for a recreational substance earlier this year during South Africa’s domestic T20 competition. The South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) confirmed that the fast bowler was officially reinstated on Monday and is now eligible to play.

“He’s Served His Time,” Says Titans Cricket Director

Gujarat Titans’ Director of Cricket Vikram Solanki addressed the media ahead of the team’s high-profile clash against the Mumbai Indians on Tuesday, confirming Rabada’s availability.

“With Kagiso, as far as tomorrow’s match is concerned, he is now available, given all the decisions that have been taken and whatever has transpired over the past month,” Solanki said. “He will take his lessons from this, and we’re just looking forward to having him back with the group, back in practice. He’s served his time.”

Rabada’s absence had been keenly felt by the Titans, who have leaned heavily on their bowling unit in this year’s IPL campaign. His return comes at a crucial stage in the season, as teams jostle for playoff positions.

SAIDS: Positive Test Traced Back to January

SAIDS clarified that Rabada’s positive test came during South Africa’s domestic Twenty20 league in January, and that he officially admitted to the violation over the weekend. The organization noted the substance was recreational in nature, not performance-enhancing, and that Rabada cooperated fully during the investigation.

Eyes Set on IPL and World Test Championship Final

Ranked second in the world in Test bowling, Rabada’s reinstatement is a major boost not only for Gujarat but also for the South African national team. With his return, the Proteas can now count on his availability for the highly anticipated World Test Championship final against Australia, scheduled for June 11–15 at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.

Rabada’s pace, control, and experience will be vital for South Africa’s hopes against a formidable Australian side, but first, all eyes will be on how quickly he finds his rhythm back in the IPL.

Rabada’s return marks a redemptive step forward — both for the player and the teams counting on his talents. As the Titans prepare for a crucial matchup and South Africa gears up for its biggest Test stage in years, the spotlight is once again firmly on one of cricket’s fiercest competitors.

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