'I am deeply sorry to all': Gujarat Titans bowler Kagiso Rabada missing IPL 2025 after failing drug test

Gujarat Titans seamer Kagiso Rabada didn't go home due to a personal emergency as claimed earlier but is reportedly serving a suspension for using a banned substance. South Africa's new ball specialist tested positive in samples taken during his time with MI Cape Town in the SA20 league, ESPNcricinfo said in a report. 

29-year-old Rabada was not found guilty of using any performance-enhancing substance but a flagged recreational drug, ESPNcricinfo clarified. 

It was on April 3  that the Johannesburg native seamer returned to South Africa having played just twice for GT in IPL 2025. While multiple reports claimed that he is back in India, it was not immediately known whether Shubman Gill-led side would be able to include him in the playing eleven again this season.

In a statement, the former Delhi Capitals bowler confirmed that he was serving a suspension and apologised to all concerned parties and fans. "I am serving a provisional suspension and I am looking forward to returning to the game I love playing.  I am deeply sorry to all those that I have let down. I will never take the privilege of playing cricket for granted... This privilege is much larger than me. It goes beyond my personal aspirations," it read.  

In the statement, he thanked Gujarat Titans along with Cricket South Africa (CSA) for backing him at the difficult juncture.

Rabada was acquired by GT in the mega auction for ₹10.75 crore. Rashid Khan-led MI Cape Town had won the SA20 beating SunRisers Eastern Cape in the summit clash. Rabada has 327 Test wickets to his credit from 70 games. He has 168 wickets from 106 ODIs and 71 wickets from 65 T20Is for South Africa. In 2019, Rabada was season's highest wicket-taker, claiming 30 scalps for the Delhi Capitals. He also made noticebakle contributions for Punjab Kings before being released ahead of last year's auction.