Kagiso Rabada could be bowled into the ground, says Proteas legend

South African cricket legend Dale Steyn has warned that Kagiso Rabada needs to be taken care of to ensure that he performs at the highest level for years to come.

In Steyn’s eyes, Rabada is being overworked as he has to play for various reasons but he admits that the 25-year-old could be ‘bowled into the ground’.

“You almost feel sorry for KG [Rabada] at the moment,” Steyn told Daily Maverick.

“Firstly, he’s an amazing fast bowler. Secondly, he’s a black cricketer, and in the South Africa context, we need him to play as much as possible and to be a poster boy for the next generation,” he said.

“The danger, of course, is that KG could be bowled into the ground as a result.”

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Steyn feels Rabada is just as eager to get a break from the game as he’s played almost every match for the Proteas since his debut in 2015.

According to the 37-year-old, resting Rabada could help him get the love back, and he’s adamant that will prolong his international career.

“I notice the expression on his face sometimes. I wonder if he is saying to himself, ‘I just need a minor hamstring injury that puts me out of action for two or three weeks’ just to have some time off and to get the love back. That’s what it was like for me. I love playing the game, but at the time of my big injury, I needed a break,” added Steyn.

Rabada is tipped by many to break Steyn’s record of 439 Test wickets.

He is currently sitting on 202 Test wickets at the age of 25, and if he stays injury free and play regularly, Rabada could well reach 500 Test wickets before retirement.