Kagiso Rabada

Kagiso Rabada, a South African fast bowler, is renowned for his exceptional pace, accuracy, and ability to generate steep bounce. Born on May 25, 1995, in Johannesburg, Rabada rose to prominence as one of the most promising young talents in world cricket. 

Personal details 

Teams 

• South Africa
• Lions
• Punjab Kings
• Delhi Capitals
• Gauteng
• Gauteng Under-19s
• Jozi Stars
• Kent
• MI Cape Town
• MI New York
• South Africa A
• South Africa Colts XI
• South Africa Under-19s
• South African Schools
• St Stithians College

About Kagiso Rabada

Debuting for the South African national team in all formats in 2014, Rabada quickly established himself as a spearhead of the bowling attack. His debut in Test cricket against India in November 2015 saw him taking an impressive 13 wickets in the match, setting the tone for a remarkable career ahead.

Known for his aggressive yet disciplined approach, Rabada’s bowling repertoire includes lethal yorkers, sharp bouncers, and deceptive variations. His ability to consistently clock speeds above 140 km/h makes him a potent threat to batsmen in all conditions.

Rabada’s impressive performances have earned him numerous accolades, including the ICC Cricketer of the Year award in 2018. He has been a vital asset for franchises in various T20 leagues around the world, including the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he has represented teams like the Delhi Capitals.

Off the field, Rabada is known for his humility and sportsmanship, earning admiration from fans and peers alike. As he continues to evolve as a cricketer, Rabada remains a key figure in South Africa’s quest for success in international cricket, embodying the spirit of determination and excellence.

Kagiso Rabada Career Highlights 

• Rabada secured an IPL contract at the age of 21 after his rapid rise in international cricket, being purchased by Delhi Capitals (formerly Daredevils) for INR 5 crore in 2017.
• Making six appearances that season, he took as many wickets but missed the following season due to injury.
• Retained in 2019 for INR 4.2 crore, Rabada impressed with 25 wickets in 12 matches. The subsequent year, he emerged as the leading wicket-taker with 30 scalps as Capitals finished as runners-up.
• Ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction, he was released and then acquired by Punjab Kings for INR 9.25 crore.
• In his debut season with Kings, he secured 23 wickets despite the team’s failure to reach the playoffs. Limited to six matches in 2023, he was retained for IPL 2024.

Kagiso Rabada Awards 

• Test Player of the Year award at the CSA Awards 2022

Career 

Domestic career 

Rabada began his cricket journey with Gauteng in the CSA Provincial One-Day Competition in December 2013. His standout performance in the 2014 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup, where he emerged as South Africa’s top bowler, earned him recognition as “the fastest and most feared bowler” in the competition.

Transitioning to senior cricket, he made waves with the Lions, notably claiming 14 wickets in a match against the Dolphins in February 2015. He briefly played county cricket for Kent in 2016, opting for English experience over an IPL contract. Rabada’s IPL stint commenced in 2017 with Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals), where he made a significant impact, becoming their leading wicket-taker in subsequent seasons. In the 2022 mega auction, he joined Punjab Kings and reached the milestone of 100 IPL wickets in April 2023, setting a record as the fastest bowler to achieve this feat in terms of matches played.

International career 

Rabada made his international debut in various formats for South Africa between 2014 and 2015, showcasing exceptional talent early in his career. Notably, he achieved a hat-trick on his ODI debut against Bangladesh, a remarkable feat. In Test cricket, he made history by becoming the youngest South African to claim a ten-wicket haul, contributing significantly to his team’s success.

His consistent performances led to him becoming the top-ranked bowler in both ODIs and Tests. Rabada’s impact continued with milestones like surpassing 200 Test wickets and claiming a hat-trick in T20Is. He also earned recognition at iconic venues like Lord’s, where he secured a five-for. Rabada’s remarkable journey reflects his stature as one of the premier fast bowlers in modern cricket.