The South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has been out of the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), which is scheduled to get underway in the mater of next two days. He has been advised to take rest for three months due to a lower back stress reaction. Delhi Daredevils (DD) team had retained him during the IPL 2018 players’ auction by using the right to match card for ₹4.2 crores.

During the fourth and the final Test of the four-match Sunfoil series against Australia at the Wanderers, Johannesburg, Rabada felt tightness and discomfort which turn out to be an injury after subsequent scans.

Also read: Rabada suffered a back injury during the fourth Test

Commenting on the injury, Proteas team manager, Dr. Mohammed Moosajee said: “Kagiso has been diagnosed with a lower back stress reaction which will rule him out of cricket action for up to three months. He will need a month’s break from all physical activity before commencing with a rehabilitation programme to get him ready for the series against Sri Lanka in July.”

It can be expected that Kagiso will be up and ready to take the field for the Proteas in the series against Sri Lanka in July which will feature two Tests and five ODIs. He was one of the crucial cogs in South Africa’s home summer. In the three Tests against India, he picked up 15 wickets at an average of 20 to help the Proteas win the Freedom series 2-1. However, in the next clash against Australia, Rabada was adjudged as man of the series by picking 23 scalps in four games.

Also read: X-Factors of Delhi Daredevils

The Daredevils have the option to replace Rabada from a list of players registered as reserve options for the tournament. The injury comes as a big blow to the Delhi team who looked primed to mount a serious challenge for their very first IPL Title.