South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada is currently gearing up to return to international cricket after serving a one-month ban for testing positive for recreational drug use. With the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final just around the corner, Kagiso Rabada is on the radar of everyone, especially for how he handles the consequences following his suspension.
As Kagiso Rabada heads to London, where the WTC Final 2025 will be held between South Africa and Australia, the star fast bowler will face multiple challenges at Lord’s. He will certainly have to clear the air with his teammates, win back trust, and mentally brace himself for reactions from rival players and fans and scorching questions from the media.
Kagiso Rabada ready for WTC Final 2025 after drug ban
The latest incident has certainly damaged his reputation, but it seems that Rabada is focused on moving forward and handling things with maturity. He admitted that things haven’t been ideal after his suspension for drug use.
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As he prepares to rejoin the South African team for the WTC Final 2025, Rabada said he’s already spoken to his teammates and will talk more with them once they’re all together.
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Kagiso Rabada was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo, “Look, this is not an ideal situation. I don’t need too many pats on the back here. I’m going to be joining with them again. I’ve already spoken to them, and I guess we can do so in more detail when we get together for an extended amount of time.”
People will have their different opinions, but I can live with that: Kagiso Rabada
Earlier, Rabada quietly left IPL 2025 in March, citing personal reasons. Later, it was revealed that he had tested positive for a banned drug during the SA20 league in January. After serving a one-month suspension, the fast bowler returned to play two more matches for the Gujarat Titans.
Rabada didn’t reveal what led to the drug use but said the experience made him reflect deeply. He’s now focused on the game again and thankful to be back on the field.
He added, “The decision to come back early [from the IPL] was brilliant, and that’s a decision that I made. I could have tried to contest it and whatnot, but coming home was the best option, and I was in good hands. All the parties that were involved made the whole process smooth. I think, as a player and a man, people will have their different opinions. I can live with that.”
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Kagiso Rabada ready to move on and play for South Africa
Rabada, who had earlier apologized to fans for his actions, said that he is now focused on getting back to playing for South Africa. He admitted feeling sorry for disappointing those close to him but noted that he’s ready to move forward and concentrate on cricket again.
He signed off by saying, “As you would have seen in my statement, there are some people who would have been disappointed. And to those people, I’m deeply sorry. The people closest to me are the ones I felt I let down. But life moves on. I’ll never be ‘Mr.-I-Apologize’ too much. But I’ll never condone that action.”