Kagiso Rabada's recent performance in the World Test Championship (WTC) final has drawn high praise from a South African great, solidifying his status as one of the leading fast bowlers of his generation. Dale Steyn, the former Proteas pace spearhead, lauded Rabada's "outstanding" spell and his killer instinct when presented with an opportunity. This recognition comes after Rabada's impressive five-wicket haul against Australia in the WTC final at Lord's, a feat that helped South Africa restrict their opponents.
Rabada's journey to becoming a world-class bowler began in his youth. Born in Johannesburg on May 25, 1995, he quickly rose through the ranks, representing South Africa in the Under-19 World Cup in 2014, where he played a crucial role in his team's victory, notably taking six wickets against Australia in the semi-final. His talent was undeniable, earning him a spot in the national T20I, ODI, and Test squads soon after.
His international debut in a T20I against Australia in November 2014 was followed by an impactful ODI debut against Bangladesh in 2015, where he claimed a hat-trick, becoming only the second player after Taijul Islam to achieve this milestone. Rabada's Test career also took off impressively, with his first ten-wicket haul in a match against England in 2016, where he took 13 wickets.
Across all formats, Rabada has proven to be a consistent performer. As of June 2025, he has played 71 Test matches, securing 329 wickets at an average of 21.89, including 16 five-wicket hauls and four 10-wicket hauls. In 106 ODIs, he has taken 168 wickets with a best of 6/16, averaging 27.45. His T20I record includes 71 wickets in 65 matches at an average of 27.15. In the recent WTC final, Rabada spearheaded the South African attack, removing key Australian batsmen and finishing with figures that underlined his importance to the team.
Beyond his statistics, Rabada's leadership qualities and ability to perform under pressure have been commended by his teammates. Several South African players have hailed him as the "best bowler in the world," noting his past successes at Lord's and his influence on the team's performance. His teammates have also emphasized his leadership qualities and ability to perform in crucial moments. They highlight his eagerness to lead from the front and take his teammates along on that journey.
Rabada's success extends to franchise cricket as well. In the Indian Premier League (IPL), he has played 84 matches, taking 119 wickets at an average of 22.96. He won the Purple Cap in 2020 while playing for Delhi Capitals. He currently plays for Gujarat Titans, with a salary of ₹10.75 crore for the 2025 season. In the SA20 League, representing MI Cape Town, he has taken 32 wickets in 27 matches, maintaining a strong economy rate.
While Rabada's on-field brilliance is clear, he has also faced scrutiny for his conduct. He has been accused of violating the ICC Code of Conduct on several occasions, even receiving a suspension for an incident involving Steve Smith in 2018. However, these controversies have not diminished his reputation as a world-class bowler.
As Kagiso Rabada continues his career, he is already being compared to South African fast bowling legends like Dale Steyn, Allan Donald, and Shaun Pollock. With his talent, dedication, and leadership, he is expected to break numerous records and inspire future generations of cricketers. Dale Steyn's recent praise underscores Rabada's impact on the game and solidifies his place among the pantheon of South African cricket greats.
