Only one week is left in commencement of ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 in India and South Africa has been hit by significant challenge concerning player injuries. The Proteas will have to navigate the tournament without the services of their key pacers, Anrich Nortje and Sisanda Magala.
Despite the setback of missing their ace pacers, Kagiso Rabada remains resolutely optimistic about South Africa’s prospects in the World Cup. The Proteas, while never having clinched the coveted trophy, maintain a strong belief in their abilities.
Rabada confidently states, “One thing we have never lacked as South Africans is belief, so going into the tournament we do believe we can win it.” His confidence stems from the talented pool of players at their disposal and a collective desire to secure their first ever Men’s ODI World Cup 2023.
Rabada’s Redemption Quest
This World Cup holds particular significance for Kagiso Rabada, who will be playing in his second tournament. His maiden appearance in 2019 didn’t yield the desired results, with only 11 wickets from nine games, and South Africa finishing seventh among the ten participating teams.
Rabada admited that he wasn’t at his best during that campaign but emphasizes the importance of team cohesion in World Cups, acknowledging that it’s teams, not individuals, who win these prestigious tournaments.
“The older I have become and the more caps I have, the more I realise that I am a leader in that environment,” says Rabada, highlighting his role as a leader in the squad. He aims to leverage his experience and leadership qualities to guide South Africa to success in the World Cup.
Familiarity with Indian Conditions Might Favour South Africa
Kagiso Rabada’s extensive experience in Indian conditions, including his stints in the Indian Premier League (IPL), will be invaluable for South Africa’s bowling group. Having played 27 international games across formats in India, Rabada is well-versed in adapting to subcontinental conditions.
Furthermore, South Africa’s recent visits to India, playing 11 white-ball games since the start of 2022, have provided the team with valuable exposure to the conditions they’ll encounter during the World Cup.
Rabada understands the importance of sharing experiences and strategies within the squad to adapt to the batter-friendly wickets and manage the unique challenges of Indian cricket. “In India you have drier conditions and they are batter-friendly wickets, so it’s about finding ways to be successful,” Rabada said.
South Africa embarks on its ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 journey with first match against Sri Lanka on October 7 at Arun Jaitely Stadium.
South Africa Squad for ODI World Cup
Temba Bavuma (c), Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen, Lizaad Williams.
