Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada's participation in this year's Indian Premier League is in doubt.
Rabada sustained a groin injury during South Africa's recent T20I series against Australia. He has been sidelined from this and the next month's ODI series with Australia and India.
Whether he recovers for the Delhi Capitals' 2020 IPL campaign remains in the balance. The Capitals' first fixture is against the Kings XI Punjab on Monday, 30 March. Delhi, who were formerly known as the Daredevils before a name change last year, have never won the IPL. The Capitals are priced at 7.00 by bet365 to win this year's IPL.
“Kagiso sustained a groin muscle strain in the T20 series against Australia,” said Cricket South Africa chief medical officer, doctor Shuaib Manjra.
“He was assessed by the medical staff, assisted by an MRI scan. The significant injury means that he will take approximately four weeks to heal, which effectively rules him out of both the Australia and India ODI series. The CSA medical staff will ensure his effective and expeditious recovery.”
Rabada at Delhi
Right-armer Rabada was Delhi's leading wicket-taker in the 2019 IPL. They also have fast bowlers Keemo Paul and Chris Woakes, who are from the West Indies and England, respectively. The Capitals are captained by Indian batsman Shreyas Iyer.
South Africa will soon name a replacement in the squad for Rabada for the three-match series against Australia. The first ODI will be played at Boland Park in Paarl on Saturday. They will then contest ODIs at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein and Senwes Park in Potchefstroom.
India and South Africa will play three ODIs in Dharamsala, Kolkata and Lucknow in mid-March.
“Renewed focus is a good thing with a bit of a break. A 24-year-old, who's playing for his country, is always under pressure,” said Proteas bowling coach Charl Langeveldt recently, after Rabada returned from a break.
“Hopefully he brings that pace as it's always difficult to deal with at the back end of an innings. Hopefully he'll bring the energy as well.
“Kagiso is competitive by nature, he is a wicket-taker. I back him to find a balance, being aggressive with lines and lengths.”
