Rabada Returns Home from IPL with Infection, Expected for T20 World Cup

Kagiso Rabada, South Africa's premier fast bowler, has returned home from the Indian Premier League (IPL) due to an infection in the soft tissue of his lower limb. Despite the setback, Rabada is expected to be fit for the upcoming T20 World Cup, which begins on October 16 in Australia.

Rabada played 11 matches for the Punjab Kings in the IPL, taking 11 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 8.85. However, he will miss the team's final two matches as he undergoes treatment for the infection.

The South African Cricket Board (CSA) released a statement confirming Rabada's condition and stating that he is being "closely monitored by the medical team" ahead of the World Cup.

Rabada's inclusion in the South African squad is crucial, as he is the only black African player named in the 15-man provisional squad. This has sparked controversy, as CSA has targets for the national team to field an average of six players of color in every XI, with at least two being black African.

South Africa will fall short of this target at the T20 World Cup, with only six players of color in the squad and only one black African (Rabada). Therefore, Rabada will need to play every game to ensure that the team does not fall too far behind the overall target.

Lungi Ngidi is the only other black African player who was in contention for the squad and has been included as a traveling reserve. South Africa's other fast bowlers include Anrich Nortje, who has returned after a nine-month break due to a stress fracture, Gerald Coetzee, Ottniel Baartman, and Marco Jansen.

Tags: #KagisoRabada, #T20WorldCup, #SouthAfrica, #IPL, #Injury