Kagiso Rabada – South Africa’s Fast-Bowling Powerhouse
Kagiso Rabada is one of the premier fast bowlers in world cricket. Known for his lethal pace, relentless accuracy, and calm under pressure, he has consistently delivered for South Africa in all formats. Since his debut in 2014, Rabada has evolved into the leader of South Africa’s pace attack, producing match-winning spells on every major stage.
Early Life and Rapid Rise
Born on May 25, 1995, in Johannesburg, Rabada was introduced to cricket at a young age. He studied at St. Stithians Boys College, where his potential as a fast bowler became clear. The 2014 ICC U19 World Cup marked his arrival on the global stage, where he helped South Africa lift the title with his searing pace and match-winning spells.
Later that year, Rabada debuted for the senior national side, and by 2015, he was already making waves in Test cricket. His ability to swing the ball, maintain high speed, and dominate top batters made him an instant standout.
Kagiso Rabada – Quick Profile
| Attribute |
Details |
| Full Name |
Kagiso Rabada |
| Date of Birth |
May 25, 1995 |
| Birthplace |
Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Role |
Right-arm Fast Bowler |
| Batting Style |
Left-handed (lower-order) |
| Teams |
South Africa, Delhi Capitals, MI Cape Town |
| ODI Debut |
2015 vs Bangladesh |
| Test Debut |
2015 vs India |
| T20I Debut |
2014 vs Australia |
Career Stats Overview (As of 2025)
| Format |
Matches |
Wickets |
Average |
Best Figures |
5W Hauls |
| Test |
60+ |
280+ |
~22.0 |
7/112 |
10+ |
| ODI |
90+ |
160+ |
~27.0 |
6/16 |
2+ |
| T20I |
50+ |
70+ |
~27.0 |
4/21 |
0 |
| IPL |
70+ |
100+ |
~20.0 |
4/21 |
0 |
Major Milestones
-
Fastest South African to 150 Test wickets
-
Youngest Proteas bowler to reach 100 Test wickets
-
Member of the ICC Test Team of the Year on multiple occasions
-
Purple Cap Winner in IPL 2020
-
Key player in South Africa’s 2019 and 2023 World Cup campaigns
Notable Performances
-
6/16 vs Bangladesh (ODI Debut, 2015): A dream debut with a hat-trick and six wickets
-
13 wickets vs England (Centurion Test, 2016): One of South Africa’s best individual Test performances
-
5/34 vs Australia (Test, 2018): Dominated in a tense series, helping SA to victory
-
4/21 vs RCB (IPL 2020): Proved instrumental in Delhi’s playoff run
-
3/20 vs India (T20I, 2022): A clinical performance under pressure
Bowling Strengths and Style
Kagiso Rabada’s bowling arsenal is versatile and deadly. He combines classic fast-bowling technique with modern aggression.
His key strengths include:
-
Consistent pace over 145 km/h
-
Pinpoint yorkers that trouble the best finishers in T20s
-
Reverse swing in subcontinent conditions
-
Strong temperament, delivering in crunch moments
-
Accuracy and bounce on all surfaces
IPL and Global T20 Leagues
Rabada has been a standout in the IPL, first with Delhi Capitals and now with MI Cape Town in the SA20 League. He was the highest wicket-taker in IPL 2020 and continues to be a strike bowler in franchise cricket. Teams rely on him to bowl key overs—whether it’s the powerplay or the death.
Off the Field: More Than a Cricketer
Beyond cricket, Rabada is known for his calm personality and maturity. He is also a music producer and speaks openly on issues like race, equality, and athlete responsibility. Rabada exemplifies the modern South African athlete—skilled, vocal, and socially aware.
The Road Ahead
Still in his prime, Rabada is expected to play a major role in upcoming ICC tournaments and Test tours. With over 250 Test wickets and counting, he’s on track to be one of South Africa’s greatest ever fast bowlers. His blend of skill and passion makes him the heart of the Proteas’ bowling lineup.
Follow Kagiso Rabada on TheLiveCricketScore
Stay updated with live scores, match stats, and player news of Kagiso Rabada across formats. From five-wicket hauls to fiery IPL spells, TheLiveCricketScore offers real-time coverage and deep insights into his career.