Follow UsKagiso Rabada abruptly left the IPL on April 3, citing personal reasons. A month later, he revealed that he had tested positive for a recreational drug during the SA20 tournament held in January-February. As a result, he was serving a provisional suspension imposed by Cricket South Africa. The upcoming World Test Championship Final will mark his return to international cricket following the ban.
During a media interaction in London, Rabada acknowledged the need to clear the air with his teammates, stating that he owes them that much. However, he also emphasized that he won’t dwell on the incident for too long or let it affect his mindset moving forward.
"I think I owe it to them [to talk about what happened] - they're my teammates. We've come so far, you know, and to my closest people I owe it to them,” Rabada was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.
"Look, this is not an ideal situation. I don't need too many pats on the back here. I'm going to be joining 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."
Rabada tested positive for a substance classified under the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport's code, which includes drugs like cannabis, cocaine, heroin, or ecstasy. While he refrained from revealing the exact circumstances surrounding the incident, the fast bowler admitted that the suspension period gave him time for introspection.
"It led me to a bit of introspection about myself, and I took some time away from the game. 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."
"The decision to come back early [from the IPL] was brilliant, and that's a decision that I made. 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.
"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. 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."