Rabada grateful for rest as he seeks a return to his best

Proteas fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has conceded that he hasn’t been at his best over the last two seasons.

Exactly who should shoulder the blame for that is a matter of conjecture with the talented quick forced to carry a heavy workload, as injuries, retirements and Kolpak contracts hit South Africa’s pace stocks.

The shutdown of professional sport across the globe has allowed the fast bowler to enjoy his first real rest period since he debuted in 2014.

Rabada grateful for rest 

It has been a rollercoaster ride for the quick who retains world-class stats but has dropped off slightly after an electric start to his career across all formats. 

“The five years has gone by really quickly, but there has been a huge amount of volume in my cricket,” Rabada said in an interview on Monday 1 June.

“I am just glad that I can get a rest, though not in the way that it has come.”

Rabada says that he is committed to the Proteas cause and eager to achieve success with the team who have endured a troubled spell in the last two years, exiting the World Cup early and struggling in the Test arena as well.

Fully committed to the Proteas

“I am 150% fully committed to playing for South Africa,” Rabada affirmed.

“The past season was a disappointment, even though my stats were OK. I just felt really rusty and out of place. I am taking it day by day to achieve my new set of goals.”

There has been plenty of criticism of Rabada’s often over-exuberant wicket celebrations which saw him suspended during the Test series against England at the turn of the year.

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Rabada says that he is working on reigning in his passion while still maintaining the intensity he needs to perform at his best.

“It’s passion,” Rabada said. “Everybody has their opinion, and they are entitled to that. 

“I have identified things I needed to and will address them with the people who are closest to me and who I feel should be helping me.”

Despite not being at his absolute best, Rabada has been nominated for a Cricket South Africa award. The paceman is in line for the Test cricketer of the year award with Quinton de Kock and Anrich Nortje also up for the award.

Rabada is also among the nominees for the fans players of the year with supporters asked to vote for their favourites.