IPL 2025: Why is Kagiso Rabada not playing against MI? Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill reveals

In a big improvement forward of the much-anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL ) 2025 conflict between Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians on Might 6, South African pacer Kagiso Rabada, who not too long ago has returned to India after serving a one-month provisional suspension, just isn’t that includes within the enjoying XI for this significant encounter.

Purpose behind Kagiso Rabada’s absence: Shubman Gill solutions

This determination raised eyebrows, contemplating the excessive stakes concerned within the match, the place each groups had the chance to climb to the highest of the factors desk. When requested on the toss in regards to the absence of the star quick bowler on the toss, Gujarat skipper Shubman Gill revealed that whereas Rabada had rejoined the squad, he wanted extra time to seek out his rhythm. “Rabada is again (within the squad), however he’ll want a number of observe periods and some video games to get again in his groove,” Gill clarified to commentator Ian Bishop.

Rabada’s absence from the IPL was initially shrouded in ambiguity, with the Gujarat citing private causes for his sudden withdrawal. Nevertheless, it later got here to mild that the 29-year-old had examined constructive for a leisure drug, resulting in a provisional suspension that started in early April.

The doping take a look at had been carried out on January 21 throughout an SA20 2025 match between MI Cape City and the Durban Tremendous Giants, however Rabada was solely knowledgeable of the opposed discovering on April 1, whereas he was already in India getting ready for the IPL. Rabada issued a public apology quickly after the revelation, taking accountability for the violation and expressing regret for the disruption triggered to his group and followers Earlier than the suspension got here into impact, Kagiso Rabada had featured in solely two video games for Gujarat in IPL 2025, choosing up two wickets.

Additionally READ: IPL 2025: Gujarat Titans clear the air on Kagiso Rabada testing constructive for leisure drug

An important contest between MI and GT with IPL 2025 Playoff implications

Each MI and GT are sitting at 14 factors on the desk and eyeing the coveted high two playoff spots. MI, after a rocky begin that noticed them lose 4 of their first 5 matches, had remarkably turned issues round with six consecutive victories, climbing as much as the third spot. Gujarat, in the meantime, had maintained constant kind all through the season, holding onto fourth place with an equal variety of factors. A win for both facet wouldn’t solely assure a playoff berth but additionally a possible top-two end, which presents a second likelihood within the knockout part. Of their earlier face-off this season, GT had convincingly defeated MI by 36 runs, giving them a psychological edge going into the rematch.

Within the recreation, Titans gained the toss and opted to bowl first at a high-pressure venue, a choice aligned with their profitable technique from earlier matches. One change was made to the enjoying XI, with Arshad Khan coming in for Washington Sundar, possible as a tactical adjustment for pitch situations or matchups. The Mumbai, alternatively, selected to stay with their profitable mixture, going unchanged into the conflict.

Additionally READ: IPL 2025 – Tim Paine lashes out at Kagiso Rabada on doping suspension