South African pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada acknowledges the changing landscape of the Proteas’ cricket team, with veteran players like AB de Villiers and Jacques Kallis having retired long ago. However, he’s confident in the emerging talent stepping up for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
New generation takes center stage
“Gone are the days” of relying on established stars, Kagiso Rabada told The Telegraph. He sees promise in the performances of youngsters like Heinrich Klaasen and Tristan Stubbs, who have impressed in the ongoing IPL for Sunrisers Hyderabad and Delhi Capitals respectively.
“It’s great to see these guys playing well… Just shows the talent that we have in South Africa, and it’s time for the new generation to step in,” Rabada declared.
Kagiso Rabada stepping up as a Senior
The departure of the veteran players has thrust Kagiso Rabada into a leadership role at a young age. “I do feel like I have had to become a senior at quite a young age,” he admitted. However, he embraces the responsibility, stating, “And it’s come to this stage now where we really are having a solid team.”
“Gone are the days when AB de Villiers was there. Gone are the days when someone like JP Duminy was there, or say someone of Jacques Kallis’s staure. Now it’s about the new generation and I’m sure they’ll be able to deliver.”
Kagiso Rabada learning from Indian Pitches
Kagiso Rabada believes his experience playing in India, dating back to the 2015 tour, will be valuable during the T20 World Cup. He acknowledges that the slow, flat surfaces in India are similar to what teams might encounter in the West Indies and the United States, where the tournament will be held.
“I’ve been coming to India since I was 20. So, you get a good idea then of what the pitches are like,” he explained. While it doesn’t perfectly suit his bowling style, Rabada emphasizes the importance of adapting: “To be a good cricketer, you have to adjust to conditions around the world.”
Finding success with subtlety
Rabada isn’t fazed by bowling in conditions that favor slower deliveries. He highlights the importance of “subtle variations” in his pace and length to keep batsmen guessing. “It’s always about learning about your craft and art… Subtle differences that you might add in,” he elaborated.
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Praise for Punjab Kings Batters
Looking beyond the national team, Rabada also lauded the consistent batting performances of Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma for his IPL franchise, Punjab Kings. “Both are playing really good shots, measured cricket with aggression and smartness,” he commended.
Rabada’s optimism reflects a South African team in transition, one that’s placing its faith in the next generation of stars to shine on the biggest stage at the T20 World Cup.
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