Proteas seamer Kagiso Rabada to miss remainder of India tour with rib injury

Rabada initially sustained the injury during a warm-up session before the first Test in Kolkata, where he played no further part in preparations or the match itself.

Despite ongoing monitoring throughout the week, the Proteas medical team reported persistent discomfort, prompting his withdrawal from both the second Test in Guwahati and the full white-ball leg of the tour.

According to CSA, Rabada will begin the first phase of a four-week rehabilitation programme under team supervision and is expected to fly home after the final Test. The timeline means he will also miss three ODIs and five T20Is scheduled to run until 19 December.

The extended absence raises concerns for South Africa's build-up to next year's T20 World Cup - India and Sri Lanka are set to co-host the tournament, leaving Rabada with limited competitive cricket ahead of the global event. Team officials have not yet named a replacement for the white-ball matches.

The Proteas go into the Guwahati decider holding a 1–0 lead after wrapping up the opener inside three days. Spinner Simon Harmer played the starring role with eight wickets, helping South Africa claim a 30-run victory.

While the team remains in a strong position, Rabada's unavailability removes a key weapon from their arsenal at a crucial moment. With India expected to fight back hard, South Africa's ability to adapt their bowling plans - possibly incorporating Ngidi-may determine whether they secure a rare and historic away series triumph.