If discussions come up as to who is the most promising bowler in the world right now, the name of Kagiso Rabada is sure to come up first! Armed with fiery pace along with the ability to generate an extra bounce, he is one of the most exciting pace sensations of recent times.
The youngster came to the fore in finals of the U19 world cup, he took up 6 wickets and was also leading wicket-taker in the tournament with a pace of 140 kmph. After that, there was no looking back.
It took him just over six months to play his first ODI. It was a dream debut versus Bangladesh. Ones written only in fairy tales – he got a hat-trick in just his second over and ended with match figures of 6/16 – best bowling figures by a debutant.With injury hampering Dale Steyn for large parts of 2015 and 2016, Rabada got his break in Tests as well, making his debut in India.
And now he is Africa’s key bowler making his career lightened up now being ranked World no1 in recent ICC ODI rankings. The move made Rabada the youngest player to reach the top of the ODI bowling rankings since Saqlain Mushtaq in 1998.In his 37 ODIs before the tournament, Rabada has taken 64 wickets at an average of 24.90, with an economy rate of 5.13. He’s taken four four-wicket hauls including a best of 6-16 on debut against Bangladesh at Dhaka in 2015.
But such a limelight motivates him more and he eyes on becoming better and better with each passing game.
“I’m surprised! I didn’t expect that at all. But nothing changes; you have to get into each game looking to do your best.I think we’ve been playing really good cricket, even though we haven’t been winning. We won our last one which will give us some confidence.” the number 1 bowler said
The youngster is also confident about the fact that replacing Thai top spot won’t lessen good rapo between them.
“I didn’t even know about it! I don’t think he did either. Even if he does, nothing will change. Immy’s a good guy, we get along with each other in the team, so there wouldn’t be any issue – maybe a bit of banter.” he added.
Rabada presently has his eyes set on Champions Trophy .
“It will be a nice achievement but I’m concentrating on the team and what I have to do. If I don’t win it and we win the Champions Trophy, I don’t really care about it!”
Fans of fast bowling will be excited to hear that despite regularly topping the 90mph mark, Rabada is still eyeing up increases in pace as his body continues to develop.
“We’ll see. With the necessary training… with the fitness trainer we’ll see if we can add some scientific biomechanics where I can pick up some speed.”