The South African pacer had recently returned to India after serving a one-month suspension due to a failed doping test during the SA20 league

Rabada had participated in training sessions with the Titans squad on the eve of the match, and GT's Director of Cricket, Vikram Solanki, had earlier confirmed that the fast bowler was eligible for selection. However, despite being fit and back in the squad, Rabada was not included in the final XI for the crucial clash

GT captain Shubman Gill won the toss and chose to bowl first. He announced one change to the team that convincingly defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by 38 runs in their previous outing. Addressing Rabada’s absence, Gill explained that the team management opted to give the pacer additional time to regain rhythm. “He is not playing,” Gill said. “We just wanted to give him more time to get in his groove.”

The 29-year-old speedster had returned to South Africa last month following the positive drug test, which resulted in a provisional ban. Having played only two games for Gujarat in this season’s IPL, Rabada expressed remorse over the incident. “This moment will not define me. I will keep doing what I have always done, continuously working hard and playing with passion and devotion to my craft,” he said.

Rabada, regarded as South Africa’s premier fast bowler, has taken 327 wickets in 70 Test matches. He is also expected to play a crucial role for the Proteas in the upcoming ICC World Test Championship final against Australia, scheduled to begin on June 11 at Lord’s in London