Kagiso Rabada, widely regarded as one of the most talented pace bowlers in international cricket, was born on May 25, 1995, in Johannesburg, South Africa. Standing at an impressive height of 6 feet 2 inches, Rabada has made a name for himself with his fiery pace and ability to consistently trouble batsmen.
Rabada burst onto the scene during the 2014 Under-19 World Cup, where he announced his arrival with a breathtaking performance in the semi-final against Australia. The young prodigy claimed figures of 6 for 25, helping South Africa secure victory and clinch their first-ever Under-19 World Cup title. Rabada’s exceptional display earned him recognition and he finished the tournament as South Africa’s leading wicket-taker.
Following his successful Under-19 campaign, Rabada quickly rose through the ranks and was awarded a franchise contract with the Lions in early 2014. He wasted no time in dazzling the cricket fraternity with his skills, earning national call-ups in both ODI and Test squads within months of his domestic debut. Rabada made his T20I debut against Australia in Adelaide in November 2014, marking the beginning of his international career.
The year 2015 proved to be a breakthrough year for Rabada, as he showcased his prowess in the longer format of the game. He broke Dale Steyn’s record for the best bowling figures in a first-class match, taking an astonishing 14 for 105. This feat highlighted Rabada’s ability to thrive under pressure and marked him as a rising star in South African cricket. He finished the season as the third-highest wicket-taker in the Sunfoil Series.
Rabada’s impressive performances earned him a place in the national squad for the tour of Bangladesh in 2015. In his ODI debut, he became only the second player in history to claim a hat-trick, finishing with figures of 6 for 16, the best ever by a debutant. He further showcased his prowess on a tour to India, leading the ODI wicket-takers’ list alongside Dale Steyn. Rabada’s consistency and skill on difficult pitches solidified his position in the team.
Throughout his career, Rabada has faced numerous challenges, including injuries to key bowlers like Morne Morkel, Steyn, and Philander. However, he has continued to display resilience and adaptability, making significant contributions to the team’s success. In a home series against England, Rabada stepped up in the absence of Steyn and Philander, becoming the youngest South African to take 10 wickets in a match, finishing with figures of 13 for 144.
Rabada’s workload has been demanding, participating in numerous matches and tours against top cricketing nations. He was a key figure in the South African attack during the 2016 World T20 in India and has consistently performed at a high level in various formats of the game. Although Rabada had the opportunity to play in the IPL, he chose to sign a county deal with Kent, showcasing his commitment to honing his skills and gaining experience in different conditions.
Off the field, Rabada is known for his humility and down-to-earth nature. Despite his immense success at a young age, he remains grounded and focused on improving his game. Rabada’s passion for cricket is evident in his hard work and dedication, and he continues to be an inspiration for aspiring cricketers in South Africa and around the world.