Understanding Kagiso Rabada's drug suspension and imminent IPL comeback

Proteas speedster Kagiso Rabada returning to India to resume his participation in the Indian Premier League is telling after confirming the news that he has tested positive for a banned substance.

Rabada returned home from India on April 3 in the middle of his IPL campaign with the Gujarat Titans. At the time a statement said he was returning to South Africa to attend to an “important personal matter”.

But reports over the last 24 hours suggest that the speedster has returned to India and could be in the Gujarat Titans squad for Sunday’s match against the Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium.

Rabada confirmed in a statement on Saturday the substance he took was a "recreational drug", and he is currently serving a provisional suspension. But no indication was given how long he will be out for.

What we know is that Rabada leaving India for an "important personal matter" was due to the positive drugs test. But the fact that Rabada is back in India and will likely take part in the IPL again -  exactly a month after coming back home - suggests that he has served his time out of the game after the indiscretion.

New Zealand cricketer Doug Bracewell received a three-month ban for cocaine use in 2024. This was later reduced to one month after he went for treatment. This suggests that the punishment for players caught using recreational drugs out of competition - not on a matchday - isn’t as harsh.

It’s still unclear what recreational drug Rabada actually took.

Players getting caught using performance drugs face much harsher punishment.

The longest suspension of four years would apply if the substance is deemed to have been used intentionally in-competition to enhance performance.

Cricket South Africa released a statement on Saturday evening, saying the “incident is regrettable”. But they have pledged their support for Rabada to help him through this difficult time.

“Rabada has reassured CSA and his fans of his commitment to upholding professional standards, and has restated his passion to the sport of cricket and the country he represents with purpose,” CSA said.

“CSA is fully committed to drug-free sport and reminds cricket players, both professional and amateur, of the importance of adhering to all regulations.

“We are steadfast in our support to all players in this regard.”

The biggest concern for the Proteas is Rabada possibly missing the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia in June.

The Proteas are already thin in the pace department stakes and rely heavily on Rabada as their pace spearhead.

The Proteas ended the Test season with a massive injury crisis in the pace stakes, with Anrich Nortje, Gerald Coetzee and Nandre Burger spending time on the sidelines. Nortje has since made a return in the IPL. 

But all indications are that Rabada has already served his punishment and should be available when the first ball is delivered at Lord’s on June 11.

@JohnGoliath82