In a surprising mid-season development during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has left the Gujarat Titans camp, returning to his home country for what the franchise described as “personal reasons.” The announcement was made on Thursday and has since raised questions among fans and analysts, particularly due to Rabada’s crucial role and his high-profile signing during the mega auction.
💰 Big Signing, Short Stay
Kagiso Rabada was one of the most expensive picks at the IPL 2025 mega auction, going to Gujarat Titans for a whopping ₹10.75 crore. He was previously part of the Punjab Kings and came into this season with high expectations, not just for his experience and pace, but also his ability to turn games around in the death overs.
Rabada featured in Gujarat Titans’ first two matches of the season:
- Match 1 vs Punjab Kings: Rabada returned figures of 1/41 in 4 overs.
- Match 2 vs Mumbai Indians: He picked up 1/42 in another full spell of 4 overs.
Though his performances weren’t headline-making, he was expected to find his rhythm as the tournament progressed. However, he was notably absent in Gujarat Titans’ next fixture — a successful outing against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
🛫 Sudden Departure: What We Know
In an official statement, Gujarat Titans confirmed:
“For certain personal reasons, Gujarat Titans pacer Kagiso Rabada has returned to South Africa from the IPL’s current campaign.”
They added:
“Returning to South Africa to handle a sensitive personal problem, Kagiso Rabada is unavailable for selection.”
The franchise didn’t elaborate further on the nature of the issue, but sources close to the development hinted that the departure was linked to a family emergency. Some media reports suggested the tragic death of a close family member, though this remains unconfirmed officially. The Gujarat Titans have chosen to respect Rabada’s privacy, and rightly so.
⏳ No Timeline for Return
Another major takeaway from the franchise’s statement was the lack of a projected return date. Unlike other players who leave for national duties or minor injuries, Rabada’s situation appears more indefinite.
This puts Gujarat Titans in a tough spot strategically. With a significant amount of the tournament still left to be played, the team may now need to consider replacements or reshuffle their bowling lineup to fill the void.
🤝 Support from Teammates and Fans
Despite the uncertainty, the cricketing community has largely shown support for Rabada. Fans have taken to social media to express sympathy and well wishes. Teammates and cricket boards have also respected the player’s need for space and privacy during what seems to be a difficult personal time.
Final Thoughts
Kagiso Rabada’s departure from IPL 2025 midway through the season comes as an emotional and strategic blow to the Gujarat Titans. While the exact reason remains confidential, the franchise’s tone and Rabada’s quick exit suggest a serious personal matter.
The cricketing world now watches and waits — not just for updates on his potential return to IPL 2025, but more importantly, for news of his well-being.