Rabada had to return home due to ‘provisional suspension' over the usage of recreational drugs.
Gujarat Titans (GT) pacer Kagiso Rabada flew back to his homeland South Africa from Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season about a month ago, with the franchise labelling the reason a ‘personal' one.
However, Rabada has now revealed that he had to return home due to ‘provisional suspension' over the usage of recreational drugs.
Rabada himself released a statement, explaining the scenario while also suggesting that he would use this as an opportunity to reflect on and improve himself.
While the statement didn't clarify what sort of recreational substance he consumed, the length of his absence could be a clue.
According to a Cricbuzz report, Rabada is on his way back to India and his return to the field is surely imminent.
"As has been reported, I recently returned to South Africa from participating in the IPL, for personal reasons. This was due to my returning an adverse analytical finding for the use of a recreational drug," Rabada was quoted as saying.
"I am deeply sorry to all those that I have let down. I will never take the privilege of playing cricket for granted. This privilege is much larger than me. It goes beyond my personal aspirations."
"I am serving a provisional suspension and I am looking forward to returning to the game I love."
"I couldn't have gone through this alone. I'd like to thank my agent, CSA, and Gujarat Titans for their support. I'd also like to thank SACA and my legal team for their guidance and counsel. Most importantly I'd like to thank my friends and family for their understanding and love.
"Moving forward, this moment will not define me. I will keep doing what I have always done, continuously working hard and playing with passion and devotion to my craft."
Gujarat Titans had issued a statement about Rabada's return home last month. The Proteas speedster featured in GT's first two IPL 2025 matches against Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Mumbai Indians (MI), taking one wicket each, but has been absent since.
"Gujarat Titans pacer Kagiso Rabada has returned to South Africa from the ongoing season of the TATA IPL due to some personal reasons. The South Africa international was a part of Gujarat Titans' first two matches of the TATA IPL 2025. Kagiso Rabada has returned to South Africa to deal with an important personal matter," the statement had said from the franchise.
In Rabada's absence, the likes of Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Ishant Sharma and Gerald Coetzee have stepped up as the 2022 champions sit second in the team standings. Two wins from their remaining three league fixtures should put them in the playoffs.