Credit: IPL
South Africa pacer Kagiso Rabada, who recently served a recreational ban for drug use, was tested positive for cocaine during the SA20 League 2024-25, claimed South Africa’s weekly newspaper Rapport. Rabada, who is a vital part of Gujarat Titans (GT), left the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 and returned to South Africa after playing only two matches. In his country, he served a one-month ban. The report also asserted that Rabada's legal team exhibited his cocaine use was out of competition because the concentration (under 1,000 nanograms per ml) recommended before use, not utilised on the day of testing.
"He was smart to go down that route. If you know you did it, it saves you time and legal fees," South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) CEO Khalid Galant. After completing his ban, Rabada returned to India to serve GT before the Mumbai Indians (MI) clash at the Wankhede Stadium. However, he didn’t get a chance in the playing XI against the five-time champion side at the iconic venue in Mumbai.
GT will look to secure top four spot after resumption of IPL 2025
GT, who are leading the points tally with eight wins and three losses in 11 outings, will strive to be at their best after the resumption of IPL 2025 to become the first side to qualify for the playoffs. The Shubman Gill-led side played an aggressive brand of cricket against Mumbai on May 6 and shattered Hardik Pandya’s team’s winning momentum.
Before taking on Gujarat, Mumbai won six games in a row. However, their juggernaut was contained by GT, who claimed a three-wicket victory and reclaimed the top spot on the points table. Noting Titans’ sensational performance, their fans will expect them to continue their brilliant performance in the remainder of the tournament and lift the coveted trophy.
