IPL 2025: Why Kagiso Rabada is not playing against MI? Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill reveals

In a significant development ahead of the much-anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL ) 2025 clash between Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians on May 6, South African pacer Kagiso Rabada, who recently has returned to India after serving a one-month provisional suspension, is not featuring in the playing XI for this crucial encounter.

Reason behind Kagiso Rabada’s absence: Shubman Gill answers

This decision raised eyebrows, considering the high stakes involved in the match, where both teams had the opportunity to climb to the top of the points table. When asked at the toss about the absence of the star fast bowler at the toss, Gujarat skipper Shubman Gill revealed that while Rabada had rejoined the squad, he needed more time to find his rhythm. “Rabada is back (in the squad), but he will need a few practice sessions and a few games to get back in his groove,” Gill clarified to commentator Ian Bishop.

Rabada’s absence from the IPL was initially shrouded in ambiguity, with the Gujarat citing personal reasons for his sudden withdrawal. However, it later came to light that the 29-year-old had tested positive for a recreational drug, leading to a provisional suspension that began in early April.

The doping test had been conducted on January 21 during an SA20 2025 match between MI Cape Town and the Durban Super Giants, but Rabada was only informed of the adverse finding on April 1, while he was already in India preparing for the IPL. Rabada issued a public apology soon after the revelation, taking accountability for the violation and expressing remorse for the disruption caused to his team and fans Before the suspension came into effect, Kagiso Rabada had featured in only two games for Gujarat in IPL 2025, picking up two wickets.

Also READ: IPL 2025: Gujarat Titans clear the air on Kagiso Rabada testing positive for recreational drug

A vital contest between MI and GT with IPL 2025 Playoff implications

Both MI and GT are sitting at 14 points on the table and eyeing the coveted top two playoff spots. MI, after a rocky start that saw them lose four of their first five matches, had remarkably turned things around with six consecutive victories, climbing up to the third spot. Gujarat, meanwhile, had maintained consistent form throughout the season, holding onto fourth place with an equal number of points. A win for either side would not only guarantee a playoff berth but also a potential top-two finish, which offers a second chance in the knockout phase. In their earlier face-off this season, GT had convincingly defeated MI by 36 runs, giving them a psychological edge going into the rematch.

In the game, Titans won the toss and opted to bowl first at a high-pressure venue, a decision aligned with their successful strategy from previous matches. One change was made to the playing XI, with Arshad Khan coming in for Washington Sundar, likely as a tactical adjustment for pitch conditions or matchups. The Mumbai, on the other hand, chose to stick with their winning combination, going unchanged into the clash.

Also READ: IPL 2025 – Tim Paine lashes out at Kagiso Rabada on doping suspension