CSA insists Rabada on track for World Cup

Kagiso Rabada is likely to be fit in time for the World Cup. South African fans would welcome that piece of good news, delivered by Cricket South Africa doctor Mohammed Moosajee over the weekend. A recovery is "anticipated" in the next two to three weeks.

Concerns over Rabada's availability for the World Cup surfaced after CSA asked strike bowler to return home from the IPL, where he was instrumental in Delhi Capitals reaching the playoffs for the first time since 2012.

ESPNcricinfo understands CSA told both Capitals and IPL that Rabada had a back niggle and needed rest and recovery time ahead of the World Cup. On Saturday, Moosajee said CSA's medical team was being "extra cautious" in managing Rabada's workload because of his history with back injuries.

"With KG [Rabada]‚ we are extra cautious because of two reasons," Moosajee said on CSA's official website. "He had a back issue that kept him out of the game for a protracted amount of time. Secondly‚ there's his importance in the squad‚ so we're managing his rehab and his return to play very carefully.

"The anticipated recovery period for KG's injury is two to three weeks and we are hopeful he'll make a full recovery to be part of the World Cup squad."

South Africa's preparations have also been affected by injuries to Dale Steyn and Lungi Nigidi. Incidentally Steyn, too, was forced to withdraw from the IPL due a shoulder injury after two matches for Royal Challengers Bangalore. Ngidi, who plays for Chennai Super Kings, was ruled out at the outset of the IPL, having picked a side strain during the home ODI series against Sri Lanka.

More updates on the availability of Steyn, Ngidi and Rabada are likely this week with South Africa's World Cup squad assembling in Pretoria from Tuesday for a week-long preparatory camp. On his part, Moosajee remained positive. "The selectors have ensured they have enough options on the table but there are some players that have been earmarked as standby players."