Punjab Kings' pacer Kagiso Rabada leaves IPL midway due to lower limb injury

Punjab Kings' South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has sustained a soft-tissue infection linked lower-limb injury. (Photo: IPL)

Punjab Kings pacer Kagiso Rabada has left the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 due to a lower limb injury. This news comes as a major blow to the team, which has already been eliminated from the playoffs. Rabada, who has been an essential player for the Kings, played 11 games this season, taking 11 wickets at an economy rate of 8.85. Unfortunately, he will not be able to participate in the team's final two games, including their upcoming match against the Rajasthan Royals.

The nature of Kagiso Rabada's injury is a soft tissue infection in his lower limb. Given the importance of his role in the team and his impending participation in the T20 World Cup, Punjab Kings management permitted him to return to South Africa for further medical consultation and treatment. Cricket South Africa has stated that Rabada's condition is being closely monitored by their medical team to ensure he is fit for the World Cup.

Rabada's absence is not the only setback for Punjab Kings. The team has also lost another key player, Liam Livingstone, to injury. This has compounded the difficulties for the Kings, who are struggling to field their best XI in the remaining matches of the season. Furthermore, Jonny Bairstow and Sam Curran are expected to leave the team in the coming days, which will further weaken the squad.

Rabada's inclusion in the South African national team is crucial, not just for his skills but also because he is the only black African player in the 15-man provisional squad for the T20 World Cup. This has sparked some controversy due to Cricket South Africa's targets for fielding a certain number of players of colour in the national side. The policy requires that, on average, six players of colour must be in every playing XI over the course of a season, with at least two being black Africans. Rabada's injury jeopardizes South Africa's ability to meet these targets at the World Cup.

Fellow pacer Lungi Ngidi is the only other black African player in the squad, but he is a travelling reserve. Other fast bowlers like Anrich Nortje, who is recovering from a long-term injury, Gerald Coetzee, Ottniel Baartman, and Marco Jansen will have to step up in Rabada's absence. As a result, Rabada's fitness is critical not only for his on-field contributions but also for maintaining the team's required diversity balance.

Rabada's injury is a significant setback for both Punjab Kings in the IPL and South Africa's preparations for the T20 World Cup. His performance and presence will be missed as he recovers and hopes to return to full fitness in time for international duty.