Early on day 3 of the first test during the Tour of Pakistan, Kagiso Rabada took his 200th wicket for South Africa. Affectionately known as KG, he joined the team in 2014 and instantly made a name for himself as a young tearaway fast bowler. The immediate impact he made at test level is not something that happens often, but what has been more impressive is how he led the attack at such a young age. A few times during his career, key bowlers would be out with injuries and KG would step up and become the leader of the attack, showing maturity beyond his years.
With an average below 24 and a strike rate of 40 it’s not inconceivable that if he can stay fit, he will be South Africa leading wicket-takers in the years to come and even be of the best fast bowlers of all time. As with anything in life he will need things to go his way, and he will need the support of his teammates, but the future is bright for one of the best fast bowlers SA has ever produced.
In Rabada, SA has someone who they can build their attack around. Having players who can compliment him from the other end will be key, in him reaching the heights we all know he is capable of.
It is also notable that his test experience could see him one day maybe captaining his country.
In my opinion, he would make a great captain- someone who would lead from the front. KG has had his share of disciplinary issues in his short career, but I believe that if he was chosen to be captain, it would settle him down- He would then him concentrate on his job first and foremost, and lead the South African bowling attack- KG would be well respected in the dressing room and have the support of the entire country behind him. He would also be South Africa’s first-ever black captain, and I for one think it would be a perfect time and he would be the ideal candidate for that honour.
Only time will tell if KG can be what we all think he clean be. He certainly seems to have the appetite for the game and looks to have the mental fortitude and fitness to have a long career at the top level. Congratulations on 200 wickets this far but the job is not yet done. In my opinion, this man will take over 500 wickets when it is all said and done and go down as our best ever fast bowler in test match cricket.
