Follow UsGujarat Titans have been blessed with some world-class bowlers since their first season at the Indian Premier League (IPL). Prior to IPL 2025, the 2022 champions bolstered their bowling unit with the acquisition of Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna.
However, mid-way through IPL 2025, Rabada had to return to South Africa, making GT’s bowling slightly weaker. Since then, there hasn’t been any update on the right-arm pacer’s return to the setup.
Gujarat’s assistant coach Ashish Kapoor gave an update on Rabada’s return, stating that the right-arm pacer might be available towards the back end of the season.
"We are just waiting for him," GT assistant coach Ashish Kapoor said. "He might return. He's got some family, personal problems for which he's gone. Once he's sorted out with that, if its sorted out in time, he will be back. But we don't know when. We are just waiting as everyone is."
However, Gujarat have been concerned about Rashid Khan’s form. The Afghan leggie is currently having his worst-ever season at the IPL, averaging 53.75 with the ball and picking up just four wickets. Kapoor, though, brushed aside any concerns over Rashid’s lack of form.
"As cricketers whether it is a batsman or a bowler, over a period of time when you're doing well, you get into certain bad habits whether its batting or bowling, with your basics," Kapoor said.
"And with Rashid, I think it was his back which was hurting him last year where he had to do a surgery. Sometimes when you are in so much pain and you're still playing matches, you tend to do something with your action so that your pain is less.”
Kapoor also went on to trace the leg-spinners’ technical woes, stating that there was a need for the leggie to make ‘a few adjustments’ to his front hand, which was closed.
"I think there have been a few things that we spoke this year after two-three games where he needs to make a few adjustments to his front hand which was rather closed. It should be facing the batsman when he's bowling. So he's doing that now. And he's bowling better lengths in the last one or two games. Hopefully he gets his confidence back, gets a few wickets and he'll be the old Rashid Khan again."
Gujarat might have lost their last clash against Lucknow, but would want to turn a corner against Delhi Capitals, on April 19 (Saturday).