Kagiso Rabada is gearing up for a comeback to South Africa’s red-ball side after completing his one-month ban for recreational drug use. Almost two weeks out from the World Test Championship (WTC) Final, he is fully aware of everything that lies ahead of him, both on field and off field.
During his Indian Premier League (IPL) stint with Gujarat Titans (GT), he had to leave India and return home for ‘personal reasons’, which were not made public until the news about his consuming the banned substance came out.
Speaking for the first time since the ban, Rabada acknowledged the need to address and clear the matter, especially with his teammates.
“I think I owe it to them [to talk about what happened], they’re my team-mates,” Rabada said before leaving for England, where the Proteas will train for the WTC Final. “We’ve come from so far, you know, and to my closest people I owe it to them.”
Rabada also confirmed that talks with his teammates had already started, albeit informally, and would continue when the entire squad comes together in full.
“Look, this is not an ideal situation. I don’t need too many pats on the back here. I’m going to be joining with them again. I’ve already spoken to them, and I guess we can do so in more detail when we get together for an extended amount of time.”he added.
The South African quick tested positive for a banned drug in January earlier this year, during the SA20 league. While it is not confirmed what type the drug in question was, according to the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport code, it could have been any of cannabis, cocaine, heroin or ecstasy.
“It led me to a bit of introspection about myself, and I took some time away from the game,” Rabada said. “I think the biggest thing I took away from it is having gratitude for playing the game that we love. I’m just glad to be playing again… the process was handled really well.”
After getting tested for the recreational banned substances, getting the results, and then leaving for South Africa in the middle of the IPL in March to serve his one-month suspension, Rabada rejoined his IPL side for only two more matches at the end of the group stages. It is understood that his cooperation with the authorities and admission of guilt contributed to him getting a lighter sanction.
“The decision to come back early [from the IPL] was brilliant, and that’s a decision that I made,” Rabada said.“I could have tried to contest it and whatnot, but coming home was the best option, and I was in good hands. All the parties that were involved made the whole process smooth.
“I think, as a player and a man, people will have their different opinions. I can live with that.”
The South African pacer had publicly apologised to the fans for the misdemeanour; however, he has made it clear he will not apologise profusely, despite not turning a blind eye to the action.
“As you would have seen in my statement, there are some people who would have been disappointed. And to those people I’m deeply sorry,” Rabada said.“The people closest to me are the ones I felt I let down.
But life moves on. I’ll never be ‘Mr-I-Apologise’ too much. But I’ll never condone that action.”
