Why is Kagiso Rabada Not Playing Today’s IPL 2023 Match Between Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings in Guwahati?

During the eighth match of Indian Premier League 2023 between Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson has won the toss and chose to bowl keeping an eye on the “dew”.

“We would like to bowl here. Expecting some dew. We will use the opportunity to bowl first. It is a great thought by the franchise. Loving it here. The players have gotten used to the conditions,” Samson told host broadcaster Star Sports Network at the toss.

Coming on the back of a clinical victory against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday, RR have refrained from making any changes to their Playing XI in their first home match.

Why is Kagiso Rabada Not Playing Today vs Rajasthan Royals?

Also wanting to bowl first to negate the impact caused by the dew, Punjab Kings captain Shikhar Dhawan remained unperturbed at losing the toss. Laying emphasis on players needing to adjust to an uncontrollable named dew, Dhawan hoped for his players to extend a winning momentum.

“We all know the dew comes. We also wanted to bowl first. It’s alright. We are used to it. Not putting too much on pressure on myself. The process matters the most. RR are a very good side. They are playing good cricket. We want to give our best,” Dhawan told Star Sports Network at the toss.

Much like the opposition, even PBKS haven’t tinkered with their Playing XI. The development means that fast bowler Kagiso Rabada won’t be playing tonight in spite of South African cricketers joining their respective IPL franchises. With Australia fast bowler Nathan Ellis bowling well against SRH, he has retained his spot ahead of Rabada.

Dhawan, however, wasn’t asked about the exact rationale behind the move. Readers must note that Rabada won’t be able to bowl in the second innings as an Impact Player because no overseas player can be brought in as a substitute if there are already four overseas players (Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Sikandar Raza, Sam Curran and Ellis) in the starting Playing XI.