Kagiso Rabada, tied for the most wickets in IPL 2026, is set to play a crucial role for Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, aiming to secure the Purple Cap. Picture: SAJJAD HUSSAIN / AFP
Image: SAJJAD HUSSAIN / AFP
As the Indian Premier League (IPL) heads to the playoff stages, Kagiso Rabada will likely be the only South African involved in Qualifier 1 on Tuesday between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans (GT).
Representing GT, Rabada should be the only SA player involved, although rising star Connor Esterhuizen is also on the books for the men in blue.
Though Esterhuizen has already played five T20I matches for the Proteas, he is yet to make his IPL debut, and it would be a big surprise to see him thrown in the deep end of a qualifier match.
Meanwhile, Rabada is expected to play a starring role for GT in the clash at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamshala. First ball is at 4pm SA time.
The Proteas spearhead Rabada is tied for the most wickets taken with RCB’s Bhuvneshwar Kumar in IPL 2026, with 24 strikes.
He is only behind the top spot on bowling average. Rabada’s average of 20.54 is only marginally behind Kumar’s 18.5. With GT still involved, Rabada has a great chance to win the Purple Cap for most wickets.
Rabada also has his best figures of 3/25, which he claimed on April 26 against Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
The last time Rabada took over 11 wickets in an entire IPL season was back in the 2022 edition while still playing for Punjab Kings. Of course, his 2025 debut season for GT was marred by his doping suspension for recreational drug use. Though he served just a one-month suspension, he ended up playing just four matches without much success last season. In fact, it was Rabada’s worst-ever season in terms of wickets (two) taken and matches played in the IPL.