The Indian Premier League has long acted as a stage where experienced campaigners try to reassert themselves at the highest level. South Africa speedster Kagiso Rabada appears to be following that very script in IPL 2026, building red-hot form while he prepares for a demanding stretch on the international front, including the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 that will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. For Rabada, the comeback narrative comes on the back of a tough T20 World Cup 2026 where he managed only 4 wickets in 6 matches, averaging close to 8.
From early setbacks to a new surge in IPL 2026
Rabada’s IPL journey began in 2017, and his path has already included both setbacks and a recent lift in fortunes. Before this current run of form, he was picked up by Gujarat Titans for INR 10.75 crore ahead of the 2025 season. However, his debut year at GT proved difficult, with just 2 wickets in 4 appearances. That season also included a disruption when he missed a month of action after testing positive for a prohibited recreational drug in April 2025.
Now, though, the pacer has repaid the confidence shown by GT’s management. After only 10 matches so far, he has already taken double-digit wickets and is firmly in the Purple Cap conversation. Rabada is currently placed third in the wicket charts with 16 scalps, and his best figures this season read 3 for 25 against Chennai Super Kings.
May 3 masterclass against Punjab Kings
Rabada’s latest display on May 3 against the table-topping Punjab Kings grabbed widespread attention and drew praise from fans and cricket experts alike. His spell of 2 for 22 played a direct role in keeping the PBKS batting order under control, as Punjab were restricted to 163.
In that contest, the spotlight was also on how Rabada pressured PBKS opener Prabhsimran Singh. Prabhsimran has amassed 361 runs this season, but Rabada managed to move him off his rhythm before the batter eventually succumbed to a mistimed shot that was taken comfortably by Gujarat Titans fielder Manav Suthar.
What Ravichandran Ashwin said about Rabada’s spell
Legendary spinner and commentator Ravichandran Ashwin weighed in with high praise for the 30-year-old. Ashwin specifically highlighted Rabada’s ability to corner the opener and set a dominant rhythm throughout the spell.
- Ashwin suggested it looked as if Rabada was “spiritually possessed,” describing his bowling as more than just pace—an atmosphere of relentless threat.
- He pointed to Prabhsimran Singh’s movement, noting that the opener appeared to go toward the side facing Rabada, with his back leg “frozen.”
- Ashwin said Rabada set the tempo for GT and that the manner of bowling to Prabhsimran made it feel like the batter wanted to get away.
- He delivered the comments on his YouTube channel.
How Rabada turned precision into wickets
Rabada’s surge has been built on pitch use, consistent line and length, and sustained execution. His economy of 5.50 stands out, achieved against the Shreyas Iyer-led side at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad—an arena where the chasing and scoring capabilities of top teams are typically tested under pressure.
Beyond the control he provided, Rabada also contributed key breakthroughs. Along with dismissing Prabhsimran, he took the match-changing wicket of Suryansh Shedge. Shedge’s 57 had kept PBKS within touching distance of something bigger, but Rabada’s intervention ensured Punjab still finished on a modest total of 163.
GT’s push for the Top 4 and next challenge
With Rabada driving the momentum, Gujarat Titans now sit 5th in the points table. GT’s position is boosted by their second-last-ball win over Punjab Kings, and they will aim to turn Rabada’s exceptional form into steady points as they chase a Top 4 finish.
Their next match comes against the high-flying Rajasthan Royals, where Rabada’s wicket-taking ability will be central to GT’s hopes of climbing further.
