South African star pacer Kagiso Rabada has already spoken with his national teammates and is ready to explain things in more detail if needed.
Having served a ban after testing positive in a doping test, Rabada has returned to the field. But the challenges he faces because of that incident may not be over yet. He might have to endure harsh criticism from opponents and clarify the situation with his teammates to regain their trust and respect. For all of this, the South African pacer says he is “keeping himself prepared.”
Rabada abruptly left the IPL on April 3 to return home. At the time, his franchise Gujarat Titans said it was due to “a personal important reason” but did not specify when he would rejoin the team.
The real reason came out earlier this month when Rabada revealed he had returned home after receiving a ban for testing positive for drugs. After serving a one-month suspension, the 30-year-old resumed playing IPL matches.
Since returning to IPL, Rabada has played only two matches. Soon after, he left India to join the South African team for the Test Championship final. Overall, he has played four IPL matches this season, taking 2 wickets.
The Test Championship final begins on June 11 at Lord’s, where South Africa will face last cycle’s champions Australia.
Rabada is currently in London preparing for the match. On Saturday, he spoke to the media for the first time since the doping incident, emphasizing the importance of being transparent with his teammates.
“I feel responsible to let them know (what happened), they are my teammates. We have played together for a long time, and I have to tell those close to me about this,” he said.
“Look, this is not an ideal situation. I don’t need a lot of congratulations or praise right now. I will join them soon. I’ve already talked to them and I believe I can explain the situation in more detail with time.”
Back in January, during South Africa’s franchise league SA20, Rabada tested positive in a drug test. He was initially banned for three months, but the suspension was later reduced to one month.
Rabada also shared how he coped during that difficult period.
“This incident made me reflect on myself, as I was away from the game for some time. The biggest lesson I learned was to be grateful for being able to play the game I love. I’m just happy to be back playing cricket… The whole process has been handled very well.”
“Deciding to leave the IPL quickly was a great choice, and I made that decision. I could have fought through the situation, but returning home was the best decision and I was with good people.”
Rabada acknowledges that the road ahead won’t be easy but is confident he is ready for whatever comes his way.
“I think, as a player and as a person, everyone will have different opinions. I will be able to deal with all of that.”
