The way an elite javelin thrower like Neeraj Chopra throws the javelin, using his hip rotation to generate kinetic energy, Allan Donald believes, Kagiso Rabada does the same. The former South African great Allan Donald is impressed by his successor who just completed 500 international wickets days ago in SA vs IND 1st Test.
Allan Donald said Kagiso Rabada is outstanding to watch and the thirst for success drives his consistency.
“Skill is one thing but he has an got amazing ability to run the ball away. He was outstanding to watch as he always is and I just think his thirst for success drives his consistency. Anyone who gets success, doesn’t matter what sport he plays, is judged by consistency,” Allan Donald told PTI.
What makes Kagiso Rabada special?
Kagiso Rabada is now just 13 wickets away from 300 Test wickets. But what makes him special that he has made a batter like Rohit Sharma his bunny?
To become a fast bowler, a smooth hip rotation and shoulder movements are a must. That’s where Rabada is a notch above his cmpetitors.
“All genuine quicks have got great hip and shoulder rotation. If you observe him technically, he gets in a fantastic position in the air. We always talk about the launch, how they launch off the floor or how big they get at the crease,” Allan Donald said.
Donald explained that all fast bowling greats like Curtley Ambrose, Courtney Walsh, Ian Bishop and Michael Holding get off the floor to give them time to pull the trigger. And Kagiso Rabada does that beautifully.
“If you see at point of backfoot strike, the hips are slightly closed and open up very very quickly. They don’t spend too much time on backfoot. KG is very quick,” said Allan Donald who is now with South Africa Cricket academy.
Like a javelin thrower
Allan Donald further added that Rabada’s hip rotation is similar to a javelin thrower’s right side release.
“If you listen to his feet, every ball is so quick. KG’s hip rotation is similar to a javelin thrower’s right side release through the impact area. He knows his rhythm and action so well so technical point he is solid. He understands biomechanics as much as a Pat Cummins or a Mitchell Starc,” Donald said.
