IND vs SA: Why is Kagiso Rabada not playing the first test in Kolkata?

Kagiso Rabada was ruled out of the first test against India in Kolkata.

The India Cricket Team and the South Africa Cricket Team are up against each other in the first match of the two-match test series. The game between the two teams is underway at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata and is also part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27.

South Africa won the important toss and opted to bat first. They went in with the combination of two spinners and two pacers. What caught the attention of many was the absence of Kagiso Rabada in the Proteas XI for the ongoing test. 

This made many wonder why Kagiso Rabada is not playing the series opener against India. However, the reason behind that has been revealed. The fast bowler misses out due to a rib injury, which he faced in the buildup to this test. 

This comes as a huge blow for South Africa as Kagiso Rabada has been the mainstay of the Proteas bowling lineup for long irrespective of the conditions. In his place, all-rounder Corbin Bosch has been added to the XI and will support Marco Jansen in the pacer department.

Rabada misses out due to a rib injury – Temba Bavuma

Speaking at the toss, Temba Bavuma talked about his team’s preparations and admitted that playing in India is always challenging. He also talked about Kagiso Rabada’s injury and said:

“We will have a bat. The boys just came back from Pakistan. I was with the A team. From a preparation point of view, we’ve done as best we can. It’s not every day you get to play against 50,000-60,000 people in the stands. So, I’m looking forward to the challenge. Being back in India, it’s always an eye-opener. Looking forward to everything. It’s been sitting well at the moment (on being the World Test Champions). 

“Hopefully, nothing really changes. From the performance point of view, work around with a lot more pride. But to keep doing what we’ve been doing. (On the pitch) It’s on the dry side. Not much grass. It’s a typical Indian wicket. First innings runs is the key. Rabada misses out due to a rib injury, Corbin Bosch comes in his place,” Temba Bavuma said at the toss. 

India and South Africa playing XI for the Eden Gardens test

South Africa (Playing XI): Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma(c), Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne(w), Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj

India (Playing XI): Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Washington Sundar, Shubman Gill(c), Rishabh Pant(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj

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