the Gujarat Titans’ premium fast bowler, Kagiso Rabada leaves from IPL 2025 halfway through his contract and heads back to South Africa for personal reasons.
This is a big loss for the team as they considered Rabada to be key to their plans for the duration of the season. Rabada was announced to not be continuing after appearing in the first two games, and although he did not experience much success, Rabada contributed to the team at crucial times.
Kagiso Rabada Leaves GT due to personal reasons, contributions so far in IPL 2025
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Rabada featured in the Gujarat Titans’ initial two games in IPL 2025. His debut in the first game against Punjab Kings netted him 1 wicket from 41 runs, while in his second game against the Mumbai Indians, he was 1 wicket for 42 runs in a winning effort. However, regardless of Rabada’s input, his departure after these two games left Gujarat with a big hole in their bowling attack.
Effect of Rabada’s Exit on Gujarat Titans
Rabada’s departure has left a massive hole in the Gujarat Titans team, especially as he was the team’s most important fast bowler. His exclusion from the playing eleven for Gujarat’s third game against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) also confirmed the magnitude of his role.
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In Rabada’s absence, fellow all-rounder Arshad Khan was brought into the team and he had an impressive outing by getting Virat Kohli out. Gujarat’s team structure for this game had also only three foreign players because of Rabada’s absence.
Team’s Adjustments and Next Steps
The Gujarat Titans administration has not revealed a particular time frame for Rabada’s return, and fans and analysts are unsure when the top bowler will return to the team. In the meantime, the team will have to shift their strategy using their available resources. While there is South African pacer Gerald Coetzee in the team, it is yet to be seen whether he will take Rabada’s place in the subsequent matches.
Gujarat Titans, in the absence of Rabada, have been able to remain competitive. Having lost their first match against Punjab Kings, the team regained momentum with wins against Mumbai Indians and RCB, putting them fourth on the IPL 2025 points table. The team has been banking on the great form of Indian pacers Mohammad Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, who have been consistent with their bowling.
What’s Next for Gujarat Titans?
Gujarat Titans will play Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 6, 2025, and will have to devise means of sustaining their momentum without Kagiso Rabada. The team has strength in its bowling unit with players such as Ishant Sharma, Gurnur Brar, and Kulwant Khejroliya in the team. But without Rabada, a seasoned match-winner, the team’s balance and efficiency will certainly be tested.
Kagiso Rabada’s surprise withdrawal from IPL 2025 for personal reasons is a significant turn of events for Gujarat Titans. The side now has to contend with settling without their ace fast bowler and could have to make tactical adjustments for their next matches. Though the team has able stand-ins, losing Rabada is a huge setback, and fans will expect his early return.
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