IPL 2021: “Country comes first” – Kagiso Rabada could miss a week of the IPL

IPL 2021: “Country comes first” – Kagiso Rabada could miss a week of the IPL

Kagiso Rabada

Rabada playing for Delhi Capitals

South Africa pacer Kagiso Rabada hinted at missing part of the Indian Premier League 2021 if it ends up clashing with the Proteas’ limited-overs series against Pakistan. Rabada cleared that he will prioritize playing his country more than playing in the IPL. Notably, Delhi Capitals had retained the pacer after his performance last season helped DC reach their maiden IPL final. Pakistan are now set to tour South Africa for three ODIs and four T20Is from April 2 to April 16 with the IPL also expected to commence around the same time.

“Country comes first and I may miss a week of the IPL if the Pakistan series is scheduled at the same time the IPL starts. Delhi has been my home in India, but national duty is a priority,” Kagiso Rabada was quoted as saying.

Apart from Delhi Capitals, there are five other South African players on the roster of other teams including Chennai Super Kings (CSK). CSK have Faf du Plessis and pacer Lungi Ngidi in their squad.

Kagiso Rabada won the purple cap in 2020

kagiso rabada ipl
Rabada winning purple cap in IPL 2020

Kagiso Rabada finished the IPL 2020 as the highest wicket-taker, claiming 30 wickets in 17 games, thus winning the purple cap. Delhi Capitals often rely on the South African seamer to bowl tough overs, i.e. in the powerplay and at the death. Rabada’s express pace and ability to hit the Yorkers have stood out, and he is one of the significant reasons why the Delhi Capitals have emerged as a strong force in the past few seasons.

In 35 IPL games in his career, the South African has picked up 61 wickets at an impressive strike rate of 13.18. His economy is at 8.23.

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