New Delhi: In a recent interview, South African fast bowling sensation Kagiso Rabada expressed his willingness to take on the role of national team captain if offered the position by Cricket South Africa. The 29-year-old pacer, known for his precision and skill, acknowledged the need for personal growth and meticulous planning to handle the responsibilities that come with leadership.
Rabada, who has amassed an impressive 327 Test wickets in 70 appearances, emphasized the importance of balancing personal performance with team management, both on and off the field. “I think it would take maturity most definitely and a whole lot of planning that would have to go with it,” he stated, demonstrating his thoughtful approach to the potential role.
The fast bowler also shared his admiration for Indian counterpart Jasprit Bumrah, praising his unconventional action and ability to outmaneuver batsmen. Rabada described Bumrah’s bowling style as “very awkward” and “not conventional,” highlighting these qualities as key factors in the Indian pacer’s success.
As cricket evolves in the data-driven era, Rabada warned that players’ ‘X’ factors are diminishing due to the abundance of available information. However, he maintains that gut instinct still plays a crucial role in decision-making, with data serving primarily as a reference.
Rabada, who has proven his effectiveness across all formats with 168 ODI and 71 T20I wickets, also touched on the challenges of managing international commitments alongside league cricket. While acknowledging the financial benefits of participating in various leagues, he reaffirmed his loyalty to the South African national team.
