![Kagiso Rabada has been dropped vs CSK [Source: AP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1748166136222_rabada_out.jpg?type=mq)
Kagiso Rabada has been dropped vs CSK [Source: AP]
In a significant development, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) won the toss and elected to bat first in their final group-stage match of the IPL 2025 against Gujarat Titans (GT). Both teams have made one change each. While CSK have brought Deepak Hooda back for R Ashwin, GT have replaced Kagiso Rabada with Gerald Coetzee.
Why Have GT Dropped Kagiso Rabada Vs CSK?
GT skipper Shubman Gill revealed that the hosts have made a significant change to their lineup, bringing Gerald Coetzee in place of Kagiso Rabada.
The newly appointed Indian Test captain didn't reveal any specific reason for Rabada's exclusion. Therefore, it's believed that the South African pacer has been dropped for his poor returns in the IPL 2025.
Rabada, who recently served a one-month suspension for drug abuse, has been a pale shadow of himself in the tournament. He has managed only two wickets across four matches at a horrible economy of 11.57 and a mediocre strike rate of 42.
Thus, the Titans have apparently benched him for his recent struggles, roping in Coetzee for this crucial clash. For the unversed, Rabada will anyway leave the GT camp tomorrow to link-up with his South African teammates for the World Test Championship final next month.
Coetzee, known for his aggressive bowling, has scalped two wickets in two innings. He will spearhead GT's pace attack along with Mohammed Siraj, Arshad Khan and Prasidh Krishna.
GT's Playing XI vs CSK
Shubman Gill (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Sherfane Rutherford, Shahrukh Khan, Rashid Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Mohammed Siraj, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Gerald Coetzee, Arshad Khan, Prasidh Krishna
 (1).jpg?type=mq "SRH vs KKR pitch report")
 "Debashis Sarangi")
