Punjab Kings Dealt With Body Blow Ahead Of RR Clash, Star Player Ruled Out

Star fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has returned to South Africa for treatment of a lower limb soft tissue infection, as announced by Cricket South Africa (CSA). Upon his arrival, the 28-year-old sought advice from a specialist and is currently under close observation by CSA's medical team.

RABADA WILL MISS THE REMAINING MATCHES OF IPL 2024....!!!! pic.twitter.com/ch9UFUFTF4

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 15, 2024

Kagiso Rabada Ruled Out Of Remaining Matches

"Yeah, there will be (changes to the Playing XI). We know Rabada's gone home injured, so we've got to find a replacement. Liam Livingstone has also been called back by the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board). There'll be a change there also. We'll meet later tonight to finalize the 11 or 12 that we'll go in with. Tomorrow's game is about going out there and expressing oneself. We are out of the tournament, which is disappointing, but it's still another opportunity for the younger guys and the team to develop," Haddin said.

While this infection has curtailed Rabada's time with the PBKS in the ongoing IPL season, where he claimed 11 wickets in as many matches with an economy rate of 8.86, it is not expected to affect his readiness or participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup. CSA is optimistic about his fitness for the tournament.

Rabada, who was included in South Africa's T20 World Cup squad announced on April 30, is anticipated to play a crucial role as the leader of their pace bowling attack in the upcoming competition. This will mark his fourth appearance for the Proteas in the T20 World Cup, having previously featured in the 2016, 2021, and 2022 editions.

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