Kagiso Rabada's recreational drug use is a warning sign and a possible cry for help

South Africa's fast bowling superstar needs support as he returns to play after being penalised for a positive drug test

- By Craig Ray

Last week, South Africa's leading fast bowler, Kagiso Rabada, admitted to failing a drug test when a recreational drug was found in his system. The test, conducted by the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (Saids), took place on 21 January during the SA20 competition.

Rabada found out about the results on 1 April while on duty for the Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He didn't contest the finding and waived the right for a B-sample to be analysed, clearly knowing he was guilty.

This might seem like a small detail, but it's actually significant. Recreational drugs are mostly illegal you don't go down to the pharmacy and buy over-the-counter cocaine or ecstasy.

In a sporting context, this category of narcotics is not performance enhancing. A report by the University of Sydney published last year is just one source that quashes the idea that cocaine, for instance, can enhance an athlete's performance.

"Athletes may use cocaine to improve focus, endurance, or to increase confidence, which it is claimed could provide them with an unfair advantage," the report states. "However, despite the perceived benefits, it is highly unlikely an athlete would use it for performance enhancement. This is because the duration of the euphoric sensation is relatively brief, maybe as short as 15-30 minutes, and often followed by a rapid decline in mood and energy levels.

"The cocaine would also likely affect their judgement and decision-making, an important aspect of ball sports."

Rabada's conduct has been mature in the wake of a stupid act. This is not systematic doping to gain a competitive edge. It appears to have been a moment of weakness and/or experimentation, which is both believable and plausible, and the player has accepted responsibility and was ready to admit to a mistake.