Kagiso Rabada out of IPL to give South Africa further World Cup headache

Rabada has sustained a back problem during his time with Delhi Capitals and the IPL, and missed his franchise's game against Chennai Super Kings on Wednesday

South Africa have been dealt a fresh injury worry ahead of the World Cup after Kagiso Rabada was forced out of the Indian Premier League by injury.

Rabada has sustained a back problem during his time with Delhi Capitals and the IPL, and missed his franchise's game against Chennai Super Kings on Wednesday.

Following medical assessment, it has been determined that Rabada will fly home to South Africa, meaning he will not feature in Delhi's upcoming fixture against Rajasthan Royals and any play-off matches beyond that.

"It is indeed very hard for me to leave the Delhi Capitals at this stage of the tournament," the seamer was quoted as saying in a Capitals press release.

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"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."

South Africa also have concerns over Dale Steyn, who left his IPL stint with Royal Challengers Bangalore early because of a shoulder issue. He too has returned home.

"As it stands, we are aware that Dale Steyn has seen the shoulder specialist since he got back from India," national selection panel convenor Linda Zondi told ESPNcricinfo.

"But at the moment we're just waiting for our medical team to keep us updated in terms of his progress. He's still due to meet up with the team for camp on the 12th, and as the selection panel, we'll be guided by the medical team, and then we'll take it from there."

South Africa are due to get their World Cup campaign under way on May 30 against England at The Oval.

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