Rabada Owns Up to Doping Lapse After Match-Winning WTC Final Performance

Rabada Reflects on Doping Ban After Five-Wicket Haul in WTC Final.

South Africa fast bowler Kagiso Rabada made a powerful statement with the ball on Day 1 of the 2025 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final, picking up a stellar five-wicket haul against Australia. Rabada finished with figures of 5 for 51 in 15.4 overs, helping his team bowl out Australia for 212 after they were asked to bat first at The Oval.

Following his dominant performance, Rabada addressed the media and was asked whether his recent suspension for a doping violation served as extra motivation. The 29-year-old acknowledged the setback but stressed that his commitment to representing South Africa remains unwavering.

“Yeah, obviously it wasn’t my best moment, as I’ve alluded to. Now, life moves on,” Rabada said. “I think every game that I play for South Africa, I try to do my best. I didn’t try to give any more or any less effort than I usually do. So that’s all I tried to do today.”

Earlier this year, Rabada left the Gujarat Titans (GT) camp during IPL 2025 after playing just two matches, initially citing “personal reasons.” It was later revealed that he had been handed a one-month suspension for recreational cocaine use. The violation occurred during the SA20 tournament while representing MI Cape Town.

According to Club Cricket SA, Rabada accepted full responsibility for the failed drug test and quietly served the ban before returning to competitive cricket.

Despite the controversy, Rabada’s on-field class has remained undiminished. His five-wicket haul on Wednesday also saw him surpass South African legend Allan Donald to become the country’s fourth-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket.

However, South Africa’s joy was short-lived. The Proteas’ top order collapsed in the final session, with the side ending Day 1 at a precarious 43 for 4, trailing by 169 runs.