Kagiso Rabada believes South Africa has the talent to win ODI World Cup

Kagiso Rabada, the pace spearhead of the South African cricket team, believes he is prepared to lead a revitalized South African bowling attack to secure their first ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup trophy.

In the previous edition of the Men’s ODI World Cup in 2019, the Proteas failed to progress beyond the group stage. However, they have experienced a series of victories in ODIs this year, creating an atmosphere of renewed hope and determination.

Speaking at a press conference, Rabada emphasized that one thing South Africans have never lacked is belief. He asserted that as they approach the tournament, they firmly believe in their ability to emerge victorious.

Rabada expressed his excitement about the upcoming World Cup and the prospect of the world’s finest players competing for a singular prize. He acknowledged the challenges they would face but conveyed their readiness to embrace and enjoy the competition.

Injuries to fellow fast bowlers Anrich Nortje and Sisanda Magala have presented a setback to the team’s aspirations. Nonetheless, Rabada’s optimism remains unshaken. South Africa commenced their World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka in Delhi on October 7.

Despite their struggles in the 2019 World Cup, where Rabada was part of the squad, he has gleaned invaluable lessons. He emphasized the paramount importance of team cohesion, underscoring that individual achievements do not win World Cups; it is collective team efforts that prevail.

As one of the team’s elder statesmen, Rabada is embracing his role as a leader within the squad. He aims to contribute to shaping the team’s collective approach to the game, collaborating with captain Temba Bavuma in charting their path to success.

Rabada’s experience in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has equipped him with a strong understanding of subcontinent conditions. Having participated in 11 white-ball matches in India since 2022, he believes that this collective experience will set them apart from other teams.

He highlighted the significance of comprehending the conditions in various Indian grounds and sharing experiences among team members. Rabada stressed the need to adapt to the drier and batter-friendly wickets in India.

Addressing the challenges of managing the crowd and distractions in packed stadiums, Rabada acknowledged the excitement of playing before thousands of passionate fans.

South Africa is scheduled to play warm-up matches against Afghanistan and New Zealand on Friday in Thiruvananthapuram and October 2, respectively.

In conclusion, Kagiso Rabada’s unwavering belief, leadership, and experience position him as a key figure in South Africa’s pursuit of World Cup glory.

-IANS