A groin strain has forced South Africa paceman Kagiso Rabada out of action for up to four weeks, ruling him out of the upcoming ODIs against Australia as well as the subsequent series against India.
“Kagiso sustained a groin muscle strain in the T20 series against Australia,” Dr. Shuaib Manjra, CSA’s chief medical officer, said. “He was assessed by the medical staff, assisted by an MRI scan.”
Rabada, who has taken 117 wickets in 75 ODIs so far, picked up two wickets in the three-match T20I series against Australia. He is now racing to regain fitness in time for the Indian Premier League, where he will represent Delhi Capitals, with their opening game slated on 30 March.
“The significant injury means that he will take approximately four weeks to heal, which effectively rules him out of both the Australia and India ODI series,” the release added. “The CSA medical staff will ensure his effective and expeditious recovery.”
South Africa haven’t named a replacement for Rabada yet. In his absence, the fast-bowling duties against Australia will rest on Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Beuran Hendricks, and Lutho Sipamla, along with the medium-pace of Andile Phehlukwayo.
The three-match series begins on 29 February, and will be played in Paarl, Bloemfontein, and Potchefstroom. The subsequent series against India will also feature three ODIs, between 12 and 18 March.
