CSA calls back Rabada, to miss remainder of IPL

Rabada had missed Delhi Capitals’ last match against the Chennai Super Kings due to a stiff back and his unavailability is a severe blow to Delhi, which is striving to win its maiden IPL title.

Rabada has played a pivotal role in Delhi Capitals’ march to the first Play-offs after a gap of seven years.

Injured Kagiso Rabada was on Friday ruled of the rest of the IPL after South Africa decided to call the pacer back as a precautionary measure ahead of the World Cup.

Rabada had missed Delhi Capitals’ last match against the Chennai Super Kings due to a stiff back and his unavailability is a severe blow to Delhi, which is striving to win its maiden IPL title.

READ| CSA calls for Rabada’s scans after DC pacer complains of back pain

“It is indeed very hard for me to leave the Delhi Capitals at this stage of the tournament,” said the 23-year-old Rabada, who took 25 wickets from 12 matches he played this season.

“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.”

READ| South Africa pacer Rabada deals with stiff back ahead of World Cup

Unfortunate

Delhi Capitals’ head coach Ricky Ponting termed the development as "unfortunate". “It’s unfortunate that Rabada is leaving us at this stage of the tournament. But I have full confidence in our team and I’m sure each and every member of this unit will step up to the occasion,” Ponting said.

Rabada has played a pivotal role in Delhi Capitals’ march to the first Play-offs after a gap of seven years.

Delhi Capitals will play Rajasthan Royals in its last league match at the Feroze Shah Kotla Stadium here on Saturday.