Kagiso Rabada had admitted to testing positive for recreational drug use and served a one-month ban as punishment, and now he has to return to the highest levels of cricket, where he has to face further consequences. He must clear the air - if that is required - with national team-mates, endure whatever the opposition decides to throw at him, and face down various media as he prepares for South Africa's World Test Championship WTC final.
All of these were assignments he was taking seriously, Rabada said in his first media interaction since the incident, as he left for London. "I think I owe it to them to talk about what happened - they're my team-mates," Rabada said of speaking to the squad about his suspension. "We've come from so far, you know, and to my closest people I owe it to them.
"Look, this is not an ideal situation. I don't need too many pats on the back here. I'm going to be joining with them again. I've already spoken to them and I guess we can do so in more detail when we get together for an extended amount of time."