IPL 2019 | Kagiso Rabada struggles with stiff back as Delhi Capitals look to cement top two spot

While a lot of factors had to click together for Delhi Capitals to cement a spot in the IPL playoffs after seven years of the tournament, one of the biggest factors for them has been the tremendous form of South African pacer Kagiso Rabada. 

Playing 12 matches so far, Rabada has scalped 25 wickets at an economy of 7.80 and a strike rate of 13.22. And his impact on the team was largely felt when DC played in his absence in Chennai and their bowlers conceded 179 runs from a time when CSK were reduced to 4 for 1 in 3.2 overs. Chasing it, DC were all out for 99 with none of the batsmen apart from Shreyas Iyer stepping up and the skipper didn’t hide his helplessness with Rabada’s absence.

"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,” he said after the match.

This isn’t the first time Rabada has had back concerns. Prior to this, he was out for three months with a lower-back injury, which had prompted him to miss the IPL as well. And with World Cup starting later this month, Cricket South Africa would be wary about their star pacer.

With Dale Steyn already getting injured after playing just two games for Royal Challengers Bangalore, South Africa already have all the reasons to worry and with the tournament so near, Delhi Capitals could well see their star bowler not playing for them again this season.