Background
Born in Johannesburg on May 25, 1995, Kagiso Rabada emerged as a teenage phenomenon. He represented South Africa at the 2014 Under-19 World Cup before making his senior debut, and quickly rose to become one of the world's most feared fast bowlers.
Playing Style
Rabada generates explosive pace from a rhythmical run-up, producing steep bounce and movement both ways. His ability to swing the new ball and find reverse swing with the old ball makes him dangerous in all phases of play across all formats.
Key Achievements
Reached #1 in ICC Test bowling rankings in 2016 at just 21, making him the youngest bowler to achieve that ranking. Won the IPL Purple Cap in 2020. Finished as the leading wicket-taker in the 2023 ODI World Cup for South Africa.
Legacy
Rabada shoulders South Africa's pace bowling attack much like Dale Steyn did before him. His consistency across formats — rare for pure fast bowlers — and longevity despite the physical demands of pace bowling marks him as a generational talent.
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy | S/R | Best | 5W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 60 | 313 | 22.3 | 3.15 | 42.4 | 7/112 | 13 |
| ODIs | 88 | 163 | 24.9 | 4.92 | 30.3 | 6/16 | 3 |
| T20Is | 53 | 84 | 20.1 | 7.12 | 16.9 | 4/21 | 0 |
| Year | Match | Figures | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | vs England (ODI) | 6/16 BEST ODI | Chester-le-Street | W |
| 2018 | vs India (Test) | 5/78 | Johannesburg | W |
| 2019 | vs SL (Test) | 7/112 | Durban | W |
| 2020 | IPL — DC vs SRH | 5/27 | UAE | W |
| 2023 | WC vs Bangladesh | 4/36 | Mumbai | W |
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