Kagiso Rabada was ruled out of IPL 2024 due to a leg infection and will not play PBKS’ remaining two matches of the tournament.
Punjab Kings (PBKS) assistant coach Brad Haddin confirmed during a press conference that fast bowler Kagiso Rabada will miss the team’s remaining matches in IPL 2024 due to injuries.
Rabada, who took 11 wickets in 11 matches for Punjab Kings, has returned to South Africa with a lower limb infection but is expected to be fit for the T20 World Cup next month. A CSA statement said he was being “closely monitored by the medical team.” However, another PBKS player, Liam Livingstone, has left India early to address a knee issue before the World Cup.
With PBKS already eliminated from playoff contention, these setbacks further limit their options for the remaining matches. Haddin acknowledged the need for changes in the playing XI, stating, “Yeah, there will be changes to the playing XI. We know Rabada’s gone home injured, so we’ve got to find a replacement. Liam Livingstone has also been called back by the ECB. There’ll be a change there, too. We’ll meet later tonight to finalise the 11 or 12 that we’ll go in with. Tomorrow’s game is about going out there and expressing oneself. We are out of the tournament, which is disappointing, but it’s still another opportunity for the younger guys and the team to develop.”
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The press conference also revealed that stand-in captain Sam Curran will depart after May 15th’s match against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) to join the England squad. This adds to Punjab Kings’ woes, as they would like to conclude the IPL season on a high note.
Inconsistent performances and injuries to key players, including captain Shikhar Dhawan, plagued PBKS throughout the season. The team’s struggles to find a consistent winning combination ultimately led to their early exit from the playoff race. After May 15th’s match, Punjab will face SRH on May 19th to conclude their league matches for IPL 2024.
Last Updated on May 15, 2024
