Kagiso Rabada leaves IPL 2024 early after suffering injury

Kagiso Rabada, the prominent South African pacer playing for Punjab Kings in the IPL 2024, has had to cut his season short due to an injury.

According to ESPNCricinfo, Rabada suffered an infection in the soft tissue of a lower limb, prompting his early departure from the tournament. Despite this setback, he is expected to recover in time for the T20 World Cup 2024.

During the 17th season of the IPL, Rabada appeared in 11 matches for the Punjab-based team, securing 11 wickets at an economy rate of 8.86. However, the Kings have struggled this season, losing 8 of their 12 matches, and currently sit at the bottom of the standings with 8 points and a net run rate of -0.423. Their next match is against the Rajasthan Royals at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.

Following Rabada’s departure, Punjab Kings’ pace attack will now rely heavily on Harshal Patel and Arshdeep Singh for the remaining matches of the tournament. Rabada returned to South Africa to consult a specialist after the team was ruled out of playoff contention.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has assured fans that Rabada is being “closely monitored by the medical team” as he prepares for the upcoming ICC event. Rabada is anticipated to play a vital role and lead the South African pace attack in the T20 World Cup.