Returning Rabada needs more net time, says Gujarat skipper Gill

Gujarat Titans' captain Shubman Gill reckons Kagiso Rabada is in need of more net time after the South African pacer was omitted for Tuesday's IPL match against the Mumbai Indians following his return from a drug ban.

Rabada left the Indian Premier League to head home last month to serve a provisional suspension for taking a recreational drug.

"He is back in time, but we thought he might need a couple of more practice sessions to be able to get back in the groove," Gill said at the toss at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium.

Gujarat had announced Rabada's return and availability for the team on Monday, saying he "accepted responsibility and regrets his mistake".

Rabada, who has played just two matches for Gujarat in this season of the T20 tournament, was "deeply sorry" for his actions.

Gujarat are placed fourth in the 10-team table with four league matches left for the 2022 champions, who won the IPL in their debut season.

The top four teams at the end of the league phase will move into the playoffs.

Rabada is South Africa's leading fast bowler.

He has taken 327 wickets in 70 tests and is expected to play a key role for South Africa in the World Test Championship final against Australia starting at Lord's in London on 11 June.