Withdrawing pacers early from the IPL a wise strategy from CSA?
The Purple Cap holder from this season of the IPL has now bowled his final ball in the tournament. DC’s star performer, Kagiso Rabada has become the latest South African pacer to fly back home after a back injury. Rabada has picked up 25 wickets this season for the Delhi-based franchise, becoming their key strike bowler.
Delhi confirmed the news of Rabada’s injury with a tweet:
🚨 ANNOUNCEMENT 🚨@KagisoRabada25 to miss the rest of our season after being recalled by Cricket SA for precautionary reasons ahead of the World Cup.#ThankYouKagiso #ThisIsNewDelhi #DelhiCapitals pic.twitter.com/eUARj0i2Mv
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) May 3, 2019
Rabada said in a statement released by Delhi Capitals:
“It is indeed very hard for me to leave the Delhi Capitals at this stage of the tournament. But with the World Cup just a month away, a collective decision has been made for me in this regard. It’s been a tremendous season for me with the Delhi Capitals, both on and off the field, and I truly believe that our team can win the trophy.”
Not the first South African pacer to depart
Rabada is not the first pacer who is a part of South Africa’s World Cup squad to depart early from the tournament. Anrich Nortje became the first Protean pacer to withdraw from the tournament even before a ball was bowled, citing a shoulder injury. He was scheduled to play for Kolkata Knight Riders, who had snapped him up for his base price of 20 lakhs.
It was then Dale Steyn’s turn to leave the tournament early. The South African legend was not initially scheduled to be a part of the IPL. But he was signed by the Royal Challengers Bangalore as an injury replacement for Nathan Coulter-Nile. Steyn played a couple of games for the franchise, making a big impact before succumbing to a shoulder injury himself.
As the tournament now enters its final stretch, Delhi Capitals have been dealt the blow that their key performer will miss the last few remaining games of their schedule. The reason given for his withdrawal has been a precautionary measure by the South African board
A wise strategy by CSA
The recall of the pacers who will form the core of their bowling department is indeed a wise move by Cricket South Africa. Rabada and Steyn will indeed be key members of the playing XI once the tournament begins, as South Africa go hunting for their maiden World Cup victory. Nortje will also have an important role to play, backing up the pacers in case of an injury or a loss of form.
With the World Cup less than a month away, South Africa simply cannot risk a long-term injury to one of their key members of the squad. The Proteas have one of the strongest pace batteries in the world and facing them will be a challenge for any opposition. Rabada and Steyn are two of the best fast bowlers in the world and Nortje can seriously crank it up when in a good rhythm.
So while their absence would come as a big jolt for their respective franchises and result in a financial hit for the players, CSA are playing it safe keeping the long-term goal in mind. For them, winning the World Cup is all that matters and withdrawing their pacers from the IPL, is a small price to pay.
