IPL 2024: Kagiso Rabada leaves Punjab Kings with soft tissue infection

South Africa pacer Kagiso Rabada has left India with a soft tissue infection in his lower limb and will be unavailable for Punjab Kings’ remaining games against Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad. Since they are out of playoffs contention, the management decided to release Rabada.

As things stand, the 28-year-old is expected to be available for the entire T20 World Cup, which is slated to begin on June 2. Meanwhile, Cricket South Africa (CSA) has confirmed that he is being "closely monitored by the medical team" keeping the mega tournament in mind.

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Notably, his injury is more complicated keeping the team structure in mind. Rabada is the only black African player named in the 15-member squad, which has created controversy in South Africa, As per law, CSA are bound to field six players of colour in every playing XI, out of which, at least two must be black Africans. 

Even though South Africa have six players of colour, Rabada is the only black African named in the provisional squad. Lungi Ngidi is part of the travelling reserves which levels things for the time being. However, due to the same law, Rabada will have to play all the matches in the T20 World Cup and if he misses out due to the injury, Ngidi or any other black African will have to replace him in the playing XI.

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Meanwhile, other than Rabada, Liam Livingstone too has left the PBKS squad with a knee injury. The likes of Sam Curran, Jonny Bairstow and Chris Woakes too are expected to leave the team for international duty after the game against Rajasthan in Guwahati.