The South African spearhead pacer, Kagiso Rabada has urged his teammates to ignore the off-field issues. South Africa has kicked off World Cup campaign with three successive losses in the tournament. Now their fourth match of the tournament will be against West Indies who suddenly has come forth as a deadly team. At present, the Proteas sits at the bottom of the points table just above Afghanistan with zero wins.
With their semi-final hopes hanging by a thread, South Africa looks forward to making a come back in the game on June 10. However, the team has recently been in a lot of controversies within themselves. Lately, their senior fast bowler Dale Steyn was ruled out of World Cup through a shoulder injury.
On the other hand, there has been hustle about the team’s selectors’ decision of rejecting AB de Villiers offer. The South African former batsman, Villiers had offered to come out of his international retirement for the World Cup. However, the selectors refused his offer saying that it was too late and that it was based on principles.
In context to this, the Proteas’ lead bowler Rabada has asked his teammates to ignore the off-field issues and move on to continue to improve their performance and come back as a strong team.
“There’s just been a lot happening off the field and we are just looking to clear that out of our heads,” said Rabada, the leader of the Proteas’ attack in Steyn’s absence. “But it has been enjoyable,” added Rabada. “It’s exciting. This is what you want. It has been enjoyable but it has come with its challenges in terms of our team.”
Rabada is encouraged by the fellow fast bowlers’ performance
Ahead of their Windies clash on Monday, Rabada has been encouraged by the fellow bowlers from other teams. Anticipating to perform exceptionally in the Windies clash, Rabada hails Jofra Archer, Mitchell Starc and Oshane Thomas.
“They are all phenomenal bowlers. I enjoy watching other bowlers bowl. It’s nice to see other people do well, but not against us,” said Rabada jokingly.
“We all have our aspirations. We want to achieve certain goals. I don’t think it puts any pressure on me (to perform). “I know exactly what I want to get out of the game. When you admire other sportsmen, it can inspire you.”
Considered a threat for the world’s best batsmen, Rabada has scalped four wickets in the three matches. He was the leading wicket-taker for his country when they won the U-19 World Cup. And now holds the hope for South Africa to lead them to the top four of the points table of World Cup 2019.