IPL 2019: Rabada deals with stiff back ahead of World Cup

The premier South Africa pacer has the ability to make a "massive" contribution in South Africa's World Cup campaign and his stiff back is a concern for both his national and IPL squad

The ongoing season of the Indian Premier League is about to end and the next mega event is the 2019 World Cup, starting May 30 in the United Kingdom. IPL’s leading wicket taker Kagiso Rabada, who has been the pick of bowlers in the Delhi Capitals squad is dealing with stiff back. The premier South Africa pacer has the ability to make a "massive" contribution in South Africa's World Cup campaign and his stiff back is a concern for both his national and IPL squad. Rabada’s absence in Delhi’s match against CSK on Wednesday cost them dearly as they faced a massive 80-run loss. It was the first time this season Rabada missed a game. Though captain Shreyas Iyer insisted that the management took a precautionary measure by resting Rabada, South Africa would be worried since their veteran pacer Dale Steyn is also injured, playing just two IPL games this season. Delhi and CSK are two teams which have qualified for the play-offs. "Yes we know what abilities he has. He's an amazing bowler especially in the slog overs. For sure we missed him but he had a stiff back, it's good he got to take rest," said Iyer after the defeat against CSK. Being a World Cup year, physios of all national teams are monitoring their respective players' workload in the IPL and are in constant touch with their counterparts across the eight franchisees. Rabada has had back issues in the past and last year was out for three months with a lower-back injury and also missed the IPL.