.svg){kind=small}
When Kagiso Rabada burst onto the cricket scene at just 20 years old in November 2015, most people said he had "great potential if honed suitably." However, what Rabada brought to the South African team was more than just potential. Looking at Kagiso Rabada stats, he has consistently proved that the future of South African fast bowling is safe and secure with him.
Take a step back to the 2014 Under-19 World Cup. Rabada turned heads when he dismantled the Australian team, picking up six wickets for just 25 runs. His impressive speed, often in the mid-140s, caught everyone's attention. After helping South Africa reach the finals, he became the top wicket-taker for his team. Recognizing his raw talent, the Highveld Lions offered him a contract when he was back in South Africa.
Kagiso Rabada didn't waste any time proving his worth. Under the guidance of mentors like Gordon Parsons, Chris Morris, and Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Rabada climbed up the ranks swiftly. His rapid rise caught selectors' attention and led to his international debut in a T20 match against Australia in November 2014. Kagiso Rabada age was just 19 at that time. His One Day International (ODI) debut soon followed. He bagged a hat-trick against Bangladesh, recording the best-ever figures for a debutant in ODI history.
In 2015, an injured Dale Steyn opened the door for Rabada to shine during South Africa's tour of India. He displayed maturity far beyond his years, particularly against the famed Indian batting lineup. Although his Test debut on Indian soil was less than perfect due to unhelpful conditions, Kagiso Rabada stats were enough to confirm that he was a force to be reckoned with.
Holding the Dukes ball, Rabada made a name for himself on English soil, picking up three five-wicket hauls in six innings. And as if filling Dale Steyn's shoes wasn't a tall order, Rabada even led South Africa to a series win against Australia, right in their backyard.
Rabada's skill set is vast. Not only can he swing the ball traditionally, but he's also quite good at making it seem off the wicket. At such a young Kagiso Rabada age, this makes him an invaluable asset for South Africa.
In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Rabada has been a sensation. He first joined Delhi Daredevils in 2017 and had been their go-to bowler for years. Though he had a slightly off year in 2021, his contributions to the team were significant. However, with his stats slightly dipping, Punjab Kings picked him up in the 2022 IPL auction.
While his talent is indisputable, Rabada has faced some disciplinary actions for breaching the International Cricket Council's Code of Conduct. Despite the debates surrounding him there is no doubt about his worth to the South African team.
In summary, Rabada being in his twenties adds another statistic to his name; his age. With experienced players like Steyn and Morkel stepping from the game Rabada has emerged as a pillar of the South African bowling lineup. Additionally he has forged partnerships with promising newcomers such as Anrich Nortje and Lungi Ngidi.
FAQs
When did Kagiso Rabada make his international debut?
Kagiso Rabada made his T20 international debut against Australia in November 2014 and his ODI debut shortly after that.
What are some key Kagiso Rabada stats?
Rabada's stats are impressive across all formats, with bowling averages under 30 in Tests and ODIs.
How has Kagiso Rabada's on-field conduct been?
While highly talented, Rabada has faced disciplinary action multiple times for breaching the ICC's Code of Conduct.
