Here is why Kagiso Rabada Isn’t Playing Today’s IPL 2025 Match 67 Against CSK

Star South African pacer Kagiso Rabada is not part of the Gujarat Titans (GT) playing XI for their crucial IPL 2025 match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The match is GT’s final league fixture and is key to their chances of finishing in the top two on the points table. Find the reasons behind his absence against GT

Rabada Released for National Duty

The reason for Rabada’s absence is linked to his international commitments. The 30-year-old speedster, who celebrates his birthday today, is set to join the South African squad for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final. The final begins on June 11, where South Africa will face Australia in England.

With the high-profile fixture approaching, Cricket South Africa has recalled Rabada early. GT management, in coordination with the BCCI and CSA, decided not to include him in the XI for today’s match.

Poor Form Also Played a Role

Rabada’s form in IPL 2025 has not been up to expectations. He played four matches this season and picked only two wickets. His economy rate was a concerning 11.57 runs per over. With such numbers, Rabada struggled to make an impact with the ball.

The Gujarat Titans coaching staff also considered team balance while finalizing their XI. Since Rabada won’t be available for the playoffs, the franchise has opted to give playing time to other overseas pacers who are expected to stay until the end of the tournament.

Gerald Coetzee Named as Replacement

GT have brought in Gerald Coetzee in place of Rabada. The young South African pacer has already featured in two matches this season. He has taken two wickets and maintained a respectable economy rate of 7.66.

Coetzee is likely to remain available for the remainder of the season, including the playoffs. This gives the team a chance to build rhythm with a settled bowling unit.

Looking Ahead

Gujarat Titans are currently pushing for a top-two finish. With Rabada’s exit, they will hope Coetzee steps up in the big game. Meanwhile, Rabada will now shift his focus to red-ball cricket as he prepares for the WTC final in England.

His exit marks a temporary end to his IPL 2025 campaign, but his return to national duty shows where his priorities lie at this crucial stage of his international career.

Playing XIs for GT vs CSK

Gujarat Titans:

Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (C), Jos Buttler (WK), Sherfane Rutherford, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Sai Kishore, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna

Impact Subs: Sai Sudharsan, Anuj Rawat, Mahipal Lomror, Washington Sundar, Ishant Sharma

Chennai Super Kings:

Ayush Mhatre, Devon Conway, Urvil Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni (WK/C), Anshul Kamboj, Ravichandran Ashwin, Noor Ahmad, Syed Khaleel Ahmed

Impact Subs: Matheesha Pathirana, Vijay Shankar, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Ravichandran Ashwin

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