Delhi Capitals' Kagiso Rabada Likely To Miss First Week Of IPL 2021; Here's Why

Although the dates of IPL 2021 have not been announced yet, it is believed that due to South Africa vs Pakistan series, Rabada can join the Delhi Capitals in IPL after a delay of one week.

BCCI / IPL

South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has indicated that he might not take part in the first week of IPL 2021.

The sensational Delhi Capitals speedster has said this because he has decided to prioritize South African team if IPL 2020 collides with his national team's series against Pakistan cricket team.

South Africa is scheduled to play against Pakistan between April 2 and 16 for three ODIs and four T20I matches.

Although the dates of IPL 2021 have not been announced yet, it is believed that due to South Africa vs Pakistan series, Rabada can join the Delhi Capitals in IPL after a delay of one week.

In conversation with South African website iol.co.za, Rabada clearly said that he will prefer playing for the country before IPL. Rabada became the Purple Cup winner, with the highest wicket in the thirteenth season of IPL.  The star bowler took a total of 30 wickets in 17 matches for Delhi Capitals.

“Country comes first and I may miss a week of the IPL if the Pakistan series is scheduled at the same time the IPL starts. Delhi has been my home in India, but national duty is a priority,” Rabada was quoted as saying in iol.co.za.

In the recently-concluded IPL 2021 auction, Delhi Capitals have acquired some fast bowlers who can replace Rabada.  Delhi has included Umesh Yadav in their team as well as T20 specialist Tom Curran.

Apart from this, fast bowlers like Enrich Nortje, Ishant Sharma, Harshal Patel, Chris Woakes, Daniel Sams, Lukman Meriwala are other fast-bowlers present in Delhi.