Fast-bowler Kagiso Rabada has been ruled out of the remaining 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) due to a back injury.
The 23-year-old had missed Delhi Capitals' (DC) clash against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on May 1 with a possibility of back niggle. As a precautionary measure, Delhi rested him. But now he will head back home to nurse the injury ahead of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2019, ICC reported.
Rabada expressed disappointment over the injury, however, said, "It is indeed very hard for me to leave the Delhi Capitals at this stage of the tournament. But with the World Cup just a month away, a collective decision has been made for me in this regard. It has been a tremendous season for me with the Delhi Capitals, both on and off the field, and I truly believe that our team can win the trophy."
The South African right-arm bowler is the leading wicket-taker of the 12th season, with 25 wickets in 12 games at an average of 14.72. Effective in the death overs, Rabada had pulled off a Super Over win for his side against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) with his perfect yorkers to deny big-hitter Andre Russell.
Rabada's injury comes as a major blow for his national side as South Africa are already tensed over the fitness of some of their vital pace options. Dale Steyn's appearance in this IPL short-lived after he sustained a right shoulder injury.
Earlier, Lungi Ngidi and Anrich Nortje were forced to withdraw from the tournament after suffering from a side strain and shoulder injury, respectively.
Cricket South Africa has stated that they are closely monitoring Rabada's injury and hope that he will recover before May 30, when South Africa meet England in their World Cup opening match at The Oval, London.