SOUTH AFRICA CRICKET:-
South African sensation Kagiso Rabada says that most of the people think I am short-tempered but it’s not true and it is just passion for the game that drives me as a bowler.
Rabada was suspended for the series-deciding final Test against England earlier this year after his on-field aggressive behaviour for celebrating too close to England captain Joe Root after taking his wicket in the third Test.
Rabada said during an Instagram Live chat with his IPL franchise Delhi Capitals on Friday “A lot of people feel like I’ve got a short temper. I don’t think so, it’s just passion for the game. Also if you look at sledging it’s part of the game. That’s what every fast bowler does,”
“There’s no fast bowler who is going to be nice to a batter. It’s not like you being personal and telling people about their family or whatever.”
South Africa went on to lose the final Test and lost the series to England with 1-3.
The South African had previously involved during the 2018 Test series against Australia when he had screamed into David Warner’s face and brushed shoulders with Steve Smith.
He was also involved in the incident when he used provocative language in sending off India’s Shikhar Dhawan after dismissing him during an ODI in the same year.
Rabada was also banned for accumulation of demerit points during South Africa’s tour of England in 2017.
He added “You celebrate after taking the wicket and after the game you are going to shake the guy’s hand and respect the craft. Most of the time, I’m not really aggressive on the field. But that’s just International cricket. Every player wants to be the best and to be on the top. That’s just the drive coming out,”
“As cricketers we have put in a lot of work under pressure, the grind to play for people’s entertainment and also for ourselves. It’s nice to see when you get results. You just don’t play a game of cricket. It does not work like that.”
The Proteas fast bowler said it is his emotions and passion for the game which makes him a dangerous bowler.
He further added “Sometimes, emotion can ignite you. And that’s when I feel like I’m the most dangerous because that’s when I let everything loose and stop thinking and everything becomes automatic. That’s for me when I bowl my best is when I’m not thinking,”
“It feels surreal. You just keep hearing stats, you did this and that. It was pretty amazing and a great feeling but nothing changes. You still have another game to play,” he said.
“You don’t think about award when you play. You just perform your craft, the awards are byproducts and can serve as motivation as well.”
Rabada said he would have loved to bowl to some of the greats of the game like Sir Vivian Richards and Sachin Tendulkar.
“I think Kevin Pietersen, Sachin Tendulkar, Vivian Richards, and Ricky Ponting would be the batsmen I would love to bowl to…”
Having joined the Delhi Capitals in 2017, Rabada was a key player in taking Delhi to the IPL playoffs for the first time in seven years in 2019.
The biggest highlight of IPL 2019 season for Delhi Capitals was the Super Over win over Kolkata Knight Riders where Rabada defended 10 runs and nailed big-hitter Andre Russell with his toe crushing yorkers.
“I remember when I was bowling that Super Over… We had such a fantastic season but unfortunately couldn’t go all the way. Off the field, by far the most enjoyable IPL I had and I thoroughly enjoyed,”
“It’s a pity that IPL can’t happen because of a global virus. We hope the crowd continues to support us and we are there to entertain you guys… So it’s a fair exchange,” he added.
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