IPL 2025: Shubman Gill reveals why Kagiso Rabada isn't included in their playing XI for MI vs GT game

Kagiso Rabada has rejoined GT camp for the remainder of IPL 2025.

Gujarat Titans (GT) are wrestling with Mumbai Indians (MI) in 56th match of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The MI vs GT clash is currently underway at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Tuesday, May 6. Interestingly, GT’s key pacer Kagiso Rabada, who rejoined the camp recently, is not part of the match.

GT skipper Shubman Gill won the toss and opted to bowl first in the match. GT and MI are both strong teams in IPL 2025 and have a good chance of making it to the playoffs. The Shubman Gill & Co. capture fourth spot in the IPL 2025 points table with 14 points.

They have won seven games and lost three out of 10. Meanwhile, MI have played 11 games; winning seven and losing four. They too have 14 points in their kitty but steal the third spot in the points table with a better Net Run Rate (NRR).

Kagiso Rabada need a few games to get back: Shubman Gill

While revealing the playing XI for the game, the GT skipper Gill informed that Rabada was excluded from the playing XI as he still needs more days of practice before getting back to rhythm.

“[Kagiso] Rabada is back, but he will need a few games to get back in the groove. We are fortunate that we can use [Sai] Kishore when needed. We have 6-7 bowling options,” the GT captain said.

Hence, Rabada is likely to miss the forthcoming games too and might make an entry during the playoffs. GT will play four more games in the league stage including the clash against MI on Tuesday. Gill also informed that Washington Sundar has been replaced by Arshad Khan in the clash.

“We will bowl first. I don’t think the wicket will change much, got to have a total on the board and then chase it. It’s all about delivering our best as a team. We have one change. Arshad [Khan] comes back for [Washington] Sundar,” Gill concluded.

Notably, Rabada left IPL 2025 midway in the first week of April after playing two matches. He was found guilty by Cricket South Africa (CSA) for using recreational drugs during the franchise T20 league SA20. Hence, he has also faced a suspension by the board. He recently returned to IPL 2025.

After his ouster, GT informed in an official statement that the right-arm pacer left the tournament due to personal reasons but will return later. As a result, GT did not name any replacement for him. The veteran pacer accounts for two wickets across two games at an economy of 10.37 in IPL 2025.

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