It has been a lengthy time without cricket for Proteas spearhead Kagiso Rabada, who will likely take to the field for the first time since February when the Indian Premier League (IPL) kicks at the UAE in mid-September.
The 25-year-old returns to the T20 spectacle in the colours of the Delhi Capitals, who are searching for a maiden title.
Kagiso Rabada raring to go
Unlike most of his South African teammates, who dusted off the cobwebs in a charity match in July, Rabada has not seen any sort of action since turning up in a T20 International against Australia in late February.
Looking ahead to the IPL, Rabada said he was feeling strong.
“I think I just need to bowl more, and make sure I haven’t forgotten how to bowl,” he laughed. “I need to keep up with the bowling practice, but otherwise I feel healthy.”
Kagiso Rabada
Delhi Capitals strive for consistency
Rabada enjoyed some success for the Capitals in the previous IPL tournaments, taking 25 wickets at 14.7 in just 12 matches.
His performances were, however, not enough to guide the team over the line, as they fell before the final hurdle, losing to runners-up, Chennai Super Kings in the preliminary fixtures.
Rabada says he hopes the team can find some consistency this time around.
“We had a really good season, so I know that we can challenge and win this competition because we came really close last season, so mentally I guess that helps. But also, it is a new tournament so we have to start again and we’ve got a nice group put together, nice team,” he said.
Kagiso Rabada
They upcoming season could see Rabada leading the pack with a compatriot in Anrich Nortje, who was roped in by the Capitals after the withdrawal of England all-rounder Chris Woakes.
The duo spearheaded South Africa’s attack during a tough home summer.
The Capitals kick off their campaign on Sunday, 20 September against the Kings XI Punjab in Dubai.
