South African pacer Kagiso Rabada has returned to the Gujarat Titans after completing a one-month suspension. Authorities had banned him for recreational drug use during the SA20 league in January while playing for MI Cape Town.

Titans Confirm His Availability

Vikram Solanki, Gujarat Titans' Director of Cricket, confirmed that Rabada will play in Tuesday's match. He said the bowler is “now available” after all decisions and processes were completed.

Earlier, GT had cited “personal reasons” for Rabada's return home on April 3. However, the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) revealed that he tested positive for a banned substance on April 1.

Rabada Completed Treatment Program

SAIDS confirmed on Monday that Rabada had finished a “substance abuse treatment program.” Therefore, he became eligible to rejoin the IPL. Solanki said Rabada “expressed regret at an error in judgment” and made a sincere statement.

Moreover, Solanki noted that Rabada is “looking forward to getting back to playing the game he loves” and that he will “take lessons from this.”

All Protocols Were Followed

According to Solanki, everyone involved “followed the requirements to the letter.” He stated that Rabada, his representatives, and the franchise respected all procedures during the process.

Emotional Support from Team

Solanki shared that the team considered Rabada's emotional state. He said, “He’s now back, having served the time,” and the team just wants him to do “what he loves” — playing cricket.

Rabada Urged Team to Stay Focused

Solanki also revealed that Rabada urged his teammates not to get distracted. He said the pacer “made very clear” that he doesn’t want the incident to affect the squad’s mindset. According to Solanki, Rabada spoke “very eloquently” and stated that the matter is something “he’s dealing with,” not the team.

Titans Will Continue to Support Him

Solanki assured that the team will back Rabada through this time. He said, “It’s our job to support the players we have,” whether the issue is personal or related to performance.

He added that Rabada realized how much he loves cricket. In Solanki’s words, the fast bowler “doesn’t want to take playing this game he loves for granted.”

Franchise Supports Authorities' Decision

When asked if one month was a fair punishment, Solanki dismissed doubts. He explained that “the procedure is not laid out by any individual” and must be followed regardless of the player.

He pointed out that the authorities decided the sanction and “we don’t have any control over that.” Solanki added that rules “apply to one person as much as they apply to the next.”