Rabada Opens Up on Doping Ban After Five-Wicket Burst in WTC Final.
Kagiso Rabada made headlines on Day 1 of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 with a sensational five-wicket haul, helping South Africa dismiss Australia for 212. But after the day’s play, it wasn’t just his bowling that drew attention—the fast bowler also addressed his recent doping suspension.
Rabada, who returned figures of 5 for 51 in 15.4 overs, was asked whether his ban for recreational drug use had served as added motivation. The 29-year-old acknowledged the setback but insisted his effort on the field remains consistent regardless of circumstance.
“Yeah, obviously it wasn’t my best moment, as I’ve alluded to. Now, life moves on,” Rabada said at the post-day press conference. “Every game that I play for South Africa, I try to give my best. I didn’t try to give any more or less effort than usual today.”
Earlier this year, Rabada withdrew from the Gujarat Titans’ IPL 2025 campaign after just two games, citing personal reasons. It later emerged that he was serving a one-month suspension following a positive test for cocaine use during the SA20 league with MI Cape Town.
According to a report by Club Cricket SA, Rabada accepted the charge and completed his ban quietly before returning to competitive cricket. The pacer did not contest the ruling and complied fully with the imposed penalty.
On the field, Rabada achieved a major personal milestone during the WTC final, overtaking Allan Donald (330 wickets) to become South Africa’s fourth-highest wicket-taker in Test history. Despite his brilliant bowling, South Africa ended Day 1 under pressure, struggling at 43 for 4 in response to Australia’s total.
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