South African pacer Kagiso Rabada expressed his excitement on Sunday about joining the Gujarat Titans ahead of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Rabada was acquired by the Gujarat Titans (GT) for ₹10.75 crore during the IPL auction.
The bidding began with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at ₹2 crore, with Mumbai Indians (MI) also entering the fray alongside the Gujarat-based franchise. Ultimately, the one-time IPL champions secured the Proteas star.
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Rabada shared his enthusiasm about joining the team and his eagerness to contribute to the Gujarat Titans’ camp.
“Hey guys, this is KG here. I am so thrilled to be joining the Gujarat Titans family. I can’t wait to get into the camp, make some good memories, do my best and also make some good friends too,” Rabada said in a video posted on the Gujarat Titans’ official social media platforms.
KG fire incoming! 🔥
We can’t wait to see @KagisoRabada25 turn up the heat in Titans colours!#AavaDe | #TATAIPLAuction | #TATAIPL pic.twitter.com/Hg9XFXweD1
— Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) November 24, 2024
South African pacer Kagiso Rabada, regarded as one of the best bowlers in the world, has an impressive record of 71 wickets in 65 T20Is. He was part of the South Africa team that reached the T20 World Cup final this year, taking 13 wickets in nine matches. A seasoned campaigner in T20 leagues globally, Rabada has claimed 264 wickets in 211 matches.
In the IPL, Rabada has previously represented Delhi Capitals (DC) and Punjab Kings (PBKS), with a total of 117 wickets in 80 matches. During his stint with PBKS from 2022 to 2024, he took 41 wickets in 30 matches. With DC from 2017 to 2021, he bagged 76 wickets in 50 matches. Last season, Rabada played 11 matches for PBKS, taking 11 wickets at an average of 33.81.
Earlier on Sunday, Gujarat Titans’ director of cricket, Vikram Solanki, expressed satisfaction with the team’s selections during the IPL auction.
“We’re very happy with the team we’ve got. There’s a small number of players in these first two sets and we played our part, according to our plan. The team is starting to take shape but we still need to fill slots and be smart. Actually, a number of very good players come tomorrow as well,” Solanki told ESPNcricinfo.
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