Cautious Kagiso Rabada Targets T20 World Cup Return After SA20 Absence: Report

South Africa's premier fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has been sidelined for MI Cape Town's opening match of the SA20 2025-26 season as he prioritises recovery from a rib injury with an eye firmly on the upcoming T20 World Cup in February.

According to a report by ESPNCricinfo, the pacer is also expected to miss the defending champions' second fixture, as the franchise takes a cautious approach with his workload.

Rabada was absent when MI Cape Town began their title defence against the Durban Super Giants on Boxing Day, and his return date remains tentative. Team captain Rashid Khan, however, expressed optimism that the fast bowler could be ready for the team's third match on December 31, which would give him limited but valuable game time before national

selection decisions are finalised.

Should Rabada make his comeback as hoped, he would have roughly a week - potentially four SA20 matches - to demonstrate full fitness to South Africa's selection convener Patrick Moroney and head coach Shukri Conrad. The Proteas are expected to announce their 15-member T20 World Cup squad in the first half of January, making this window crucial for the experienced quick.

If cleared, Rabada is widely expected to spearhead South Africa's pace attack at the global event. However, selectors are also mindful of the risks involved in carrying an injured player, with memories of the 2019 ODI World Cup still fresh. On that occasion, South Africa included an unfit Dale Steyn, who was later ruled out without playing a match - a scenario the current management will be keen to avoid.

Encouraging signs have emerged from Rabada's training sessions. He was seen bowling without obvious discomfort during practice at Newlands ahead of the SA20 opener and spent considerable time working alongside MI Cape Town bowling coach Mitchell McClenaghan. Rabada also played down concerns earlier in the week, saying he felt "fine" while deputising for Rashid Khan at the pre-match captain's press conference.

The 28-year-old has not featured in competitive cricket since October, when he played in South Africa's Test win over Pakistan in Rawalpindi. Although he was rested for the subsequent white-ball series, Rabada was named in the Test squad for India, only to be ruled out on the morning of the opening match due to the rib injury.

With the World Cup looming, Rabada's managed return could prove decisive for both MI Cape Town's campaign and South Africa's title ambitions.