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In a crucial clash of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat Titans (GT) captain Shubman Gill won the toss and elected to bowl first against Delhi Capitals (DC). The Titans, IPL champions in 2022, stuck with an unchanged playing XI from their previous game, showing confidence in their current combination despite recent ups and downs in form.
Kagiso Rabada’s mid-tournament exit due to personal reasons leaves a void
Gujarat are currently facing a major problem as their leading pacer, Kagiso Rabada, returned to South Africa due to personal reasons. The 29-year-old speedster had featured in the Titans’ first two matches this season, picking up one wicket each against Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Mumbai Indians (MI). His sudden departure left a noticeable gap in Gujarat’s pace attack.
Initially, there was no official word on his return, creating uncertainty around one of the franchise’s most dependable overseas assets. Gujarat franchise later confirmed that Rabada had to leave because of family matters, which made it clear that the decision was not injury-related but rather a pressing off-field issue. Rabada’s absence deprived the Titans of a bowler known for his ability to deliver in powerplays and at the death, and it placed added responsibility on the remaining bowlers, including Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, to fill the void left by the South African stalwart.
Shubman Gill clears air on Rabada’s IPL 2025 return
While Rabada’s absence created concern among the Titans supporters and the team management, skipper Shubman Gill provided a much-needed update during the toss against Delhi. Speaking with confidence, Gill revealed that Rabada is expected to return in about ten days. “Hopefully, Rabada will come back in 10 days or so,” he said, offering a ray of hope to the team’s playoff aspirations.
This information indicated that Rabada might be available for the final phase of the league stage, or potentially the playoffs, should the Titans qualify. His return would be timely as Gujarat looks to sharpen its bowling attack heading into the most decisive stretch of the tournament. Rabada’s experience in high-pressure games and his ability to adapt to various conditions make him a valuable asset, and his reintegration into the squad could significantly improve the team’s bowling balance and morale.
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