Kagiso Rabada: The South African Fast Bowler
Introduction:
Kagiso Rabada is a South African fast bowler who is widely regarded as one of the best fast bowlers in the world. Born on 25 May 1995 in Johannesburg, Rabada made his international debut for South Africa in 2015, and since then, he has become a key player for the national team. With his raw pace and swing, Rabada has earned a reputation as one of the most dangerous bowlers in world cricket. In this article, we will take a closer look at Kagiso Rabada’s career, his playing style, and his achievements.
Early Life and Career:
Kagiso Rabada was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, and he grew up playing cricket with his friends and family. He attended St. Stithians Boys’ College in Johannesburg, where he excelled in both cricket and rugby. Rabada’s talent for cricket was soon noticed by the South African selectors, and he was picked for the national squad in 2015.
International Career:
Kagiso Rabada made his debut for South Africa in a T20 match against Australia in 2014. He was soon drafted into the ODI and Test teams, and he established himself as a regular member of the national squad. Rabada’s breakthrough moment came in the 2015-16 season, when he took 13 wickets in a Test match against England, becoming the youngest player to take a 10-wicket haul in a Test match.
Playing Style:
Kagiso Rabada is known for his raw pace and his ability to swing the ball both ways. As a right-arm fast bowler, he is particularly effective with the new ball, and he can generate prodigious swing and seam movement in helpful conditions. He is also a skilled exponent of reverse swing, and he can generate sharp bounce and pace off the pitch.
Rabada is also known for his athleticism and agility in the field. He is a natural athlete, and he is equally comfortable fielding in the outfield or in close to the wicket. He has taken some spectacular catches in his career, and he is a valuable asset in the field.
Achievements:
Kagiso Rabada’s achievements in international cricket are impressive. He has taken over 200 wickets in international cricket, including 11 five-wicket hauls and two ten-wicket hauls in Test matches. In ODIs, he has been particularly successful, with a bowling average of under 28 and a strike rate of under 30.
Rabada has also won several awards, including the South African Cricketer of the Year award in 2016 and 2018, and the ICC Cricketer of the Year award in 2018. He has also been named the ICC ODI Player of the Year twice, in 2018 and 2019.
Current Status:
Kagiso Rabada is currently one of the most valuable players in world cricket. He is a regular member of the South African national team and is also a key player for the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL). In the IPL, Rabada has been a consistent performer, taking over 60 wickets at an average of under 18 and a strike rate of under 14.
Controversies:
Kagiso Rabada has also been involved in some controversies during his career. In 2018, he was suspended for two Test matches after being found guilty of making inappropriate contact with Steve Smith during a Test match between South Africa and Australia.
