Kagiso Rabada’s preparations for South Africa’s upcoming home season have been disrupted after the fast bowler suffered a right hamstring injury during winter training. The setback comes at an important time for the Proteas, with a demanding international schedule beginning in September. Rabada was already rested for South Africa’s upcoming white-ball tour of Namibia, which includes a T20I tri-series involving Zimbabwe and three ODIs against the hosts.
Cricket South Africa had initially cited workload management for his absence. Several frontline fast bowlers were also rested, along with white-ball captain Temba Bavuma and Test skipper Aiden Markram. However, Rabada’s hamstring injury has now created additional uncertainty around his availability for the home summer. Cricket South Africa confirmed the injury on Friday, August 21, stating that it occurred during winter training and disrupted the 30-year-old’s programme.
The board has not revealed the severity or grade of the injury and has also not provided a specific recovery timeline. Further assessments are scheduled, with Rabada’s availability expected to become clearer once the medical evaluations are completed.
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The timing of the injury is particularly concerning for South Africa. Australia is scheduled to visit in September for a series of ODIs followed by three Tests, making Rabada’s fitness a major priority for the selectors. The Proteas will then face Bangladesh and England in a Test series between November and January.
Rabada has already experienced injury-related setbacks in recent years. A rib problem ruled him out of South Africa’s Test series against India in late 2025, although the Proteas went on to win that series 2-0 without their premier fast bowler. His most recent Test appearance came in Rawalpindi in October 2025, when South Africa drew their series against Pakistan 1-1. Rabada subsequently featured at the T20 World Cup and in the IPL but did not play in Major League Cricket or The Hundred.
🚨Proteas Men’s Injury Update
Senuran Muthusamy has been ruled out of the first unofficial Test between South Africa A and Bangladesh A, starting on Sunday in Pretoria, due to a lower back muscle spasm
Kagiso Rabada’s winter training program has been disrupted after he…
— SA Cricket Podcast (@sacricketpod) August 21, 2026
With South Africa entering another important phase in the World Test Championship cycle, Rabada’s fitness will be closely monitored. As the reigning WTC champions, the Proteas will want their strongest possible bowling attack available for the challenging assignments ahead.
The Australia series is the immediate concern, but an extended absence could also affect Rabada’s participation against Bangladesh and England later in the summer. Managing his workload carefully will therefore be crucial for both Rabada and the South African team management.
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There is also an injury concern in the South Africa A setup. Left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder Senuran Muthusamy has been ruled out of the first unofficial Test against Bangladesh A after suffering a lower-back spasm.
Muthusamy was part of South Africa’s Test squad during their 2025 subcontinent tour and remains a potential option for the national side. With both Rabada and Muthusamy facing injury concerns, Cricket South Africa’s medical and selection teams will have important decisions to make before a packed international season gets underway.
