Is Kagiso Rabada One of the Best Fast Bowlers Ever, or Just an Ordinary One?
Kagiso Rabada, one of the most exciting fast bowlers in contemporary cricket, has established himself as a leading figure in world cricket. However, as with any player who rises to the top, the question arises: Is Rabada one of the best fast bowlers of all time, or is he simply another talented but ordinary bowler whose career will fade into obscurity? This article explores Rabada’s career, his key attributes, his statistical achievements, and compares his standing among the great fast bowlers in cricketing history. By examining his career in detail, we will attempt to answer whether Rabada truly belongs in the conversation of the best fast bowlers ever, or if he is just a brilliant but ultimately fleeting talent. Key Factors That Define a “Great” Fast Bowler Before analyzing Kagiso Rabada’s career, it’s important to first define what makes a fast bowler “great” in the context of cricket. Great fast bowlers are typically defined by: Kagiso Rabada: The Making of a Star Kagiso Rabada burst onto the scene as a teenager, quickly establishing himself as one of the most promising fast bowlers in world cricket. His rise has been remarkable for several reasons: his raw pace, his ability to swing the ball, his consistency, and his success in all formats of the game. Let’s break down his career in terms of the above criteria: 1. Longevity While Rabada is still early in his career at 29 years old, his first significant impact on international cricket was in 2015, which means he has already been active for nearly a decade. The fact that he has maintained such a high level of performance over this period, especially as a fast bowler, suggests that he has the potential for a long and productive career. Year of Debut Current Age Years Active Total International Wickets (as of 2025) 2015 29 10 years 400+ Despite facing injuries (as is typical for fast bowlers), Rabada has largely managed to maintain his fitness, giving him the ability to keep performing consistently at the highest level. 2. Impact in Big Moments Rabada has repeatedly shown that he thrives under pressure. His performances in key moments of high-stakes matches are a testament to his ability to rise to the occasion. A standout example was the 2018 series against Australia, where Rabada’s ferocious pace and skill led to several match-winning performances, including a critical role in South Africa’s win at Port Elizabeth, where he claimed key wickets in tough conditions. His match-winning spells in the 2019 ICC World Cup further established his reputation as a bowler for big moments. Key Series Performance Highlights Result 2018 vs Australia 23 wickets in 4 matches, including match-winning spells South Africa won series 2-1 2019 ICC World Cup 15 wickets in 8 matches, including key breakthroughs South Africa reached semi-finals 3. Wicket-Taking Ability Kagiso Rabada’s wicket-taking ability is one of his most defining characteristics. With a career average of under 30 in both Tests and ODIs, he consistently takes wickets in all formats. Rabada has the ability to bowl long spells, generate pace, and swing the ball, making him a potent threat to any batting lineup. Format Matches Wickets Average Best Bowling Strike Rate Test 47 220+ 23.5 7/112 47 ODI 92 130+ 27.4 6/23 32 T20I 37 50+ 25.0 4/14 20 Rabada’s ability to take wickets in various formats and conditions—whether on green, pace-friendly tracks or in slower, spin-friendly conditions—sets him apart from many other fast bowlers who have specialized in one particular format or type of pitch. 4. Adaptability Across Conditions One of Rabada’s greatest strengths is his adaptability. In the 2017-2018 season, Rabada proved that he could excel in all types of conditions. In South Africa, where conditions are typically conducive to fast bowling, Rabada thrived by exploiting the bounce and pace. However, he also showed his skill in more subcontinent-like conditions, where the ball doesn’t swing as much, by adjusting his line and length to extract bounce and pace from flat pitches. Series Performance in Different Conditions 2017-2018 India Took 20 wickets in 3 matches, adapting well in spin-friendly conditions 2019 England Leading wicket-taker with 15 wickets, showcasing his skill in overcast conditions 5. Physical and Mental Toughness Rabada has often been commended for his physical fitness and his ability to bowl long, demanding spells at high pace. He is also known for his fiery temperament, which, while occasionally leading to disciplinary issues (e.g., his suspension in 2018), has also made him a bowler who can intimidate batsmen and put them under constant pressure. His mental resilience in challenging situations, such as during an injury or in difficult conditions, shows his ability to endure and overcome setbacks. Comparing Kagiso Rabada with Other Great Fast Bowlers To truly understand Rabada’s place in cricketing history, it’s essential to compare him with other fast bowling legends. Some of the most iconic fast bowlers of all time include Shane Warne, Wasim Akram, Glenn McGrath, Dale Steyn, Courtney Walsh, and Richard Hadlee. Bowler Career Length Matches Played Wickets Bowling Average Key Strengths Shane Warne 15 years 145 708 25.4 Spin wizard, clever variations Wasim Akram 19 years 110 916 23.5 Swing master, great with the new ball Glenn McGrath 14 years 124 563 21.6 Accuracy, consistency, pressure Dale Steyn 15 years 93 439 22.9 Pace, swing, aggression Courtney Walsh 17 years 132 519 24.4 Consistency, longevity Kagiso Rabada 10 years 160+ 400+ 23.0 Pace, aggression, versatility Rabada’s Legacy in the Context of Cricket History While Rabada’s career is still ongoing, and comparisons with the greatest fast bowlers of all time are difficult to make, his potential to become one of the all-time greats is clear. His early achievements and ability to consistently perform at the highest level place him among the best in modern-day cricket, but he is still in the process of establishing his legacy. Conclusion: Is Rabada One of the Best Fast Bowlers Ever? The debate about whether Kagiso Rabada is one of the best fast bowlers in history is complex. While