South African seamer Kagiso Rabada has headed back to South Africa from the Indian Premier League after suffering from stiffness in the back.
This isn’t the first time Rabada has had back issues and suffering a stress fracture last year and the decision has therefore been made to recall him in order for him to complete his assessment and treatment in South Africa.
Proteas team manager, Dr Mohammed Moosajee, says Rabada’s recall is precautionary based on his history: “Kagiso experienced stiffness in his lower back a few days ago and was taken for scans for further investigation. The scan results, combined with further assessment by our physiotherapist Craig Govender who is fortunately in Delhi, led the CSA medical committee to the decision to withdraw him from the remainder of the IPL.
Kagiso has a history with back injuries and the CSA medical team is taking the best measures to ensure he is fully fit for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup starting this month. He will consult with a back specialist upon his return and proceed with a treatment and rehab programme.”
Rabada has been lighting up the IPL recently and leaves as the leading wicket-tacker after picking up 25 wickets in just 12 matches.
With Dale Steyn also having returned from the IPL because of injury and Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi and Anrich Nortje just making their comebacks from the sidelines, South African fans will be very nervous going into the World Cup.