For some reason perhaps not even known to Kagiso Rabada himself, he just cannot keep out of the news. When not embroiled in a controversy, Rabada is courting injuries. So extreme and sudden have been his share of troubles that they have often led him to be sidelined from all important cricketing actions at the front. The latest hit that Rabada’s fairly young and enterprising career has taken concerns with the forthcoming Indian Premier League. News from the vantage point sheds light on a grim reality. Kagiso Rabada ruled out of the IPL may not exactly inspire any confidence.
Kagiso Rabada ruled out of IPL has duel-effect
At the forefront, it’s a real concern for the achingly good fast bowler, who just a couple of days back had been adjudged the man of the series in the high action Australia versus South Africa Test series. But the real hit actually goes to his IPL side Delhi Daredevils, of which Rabada was not only a choicest, frontline asset in the bowling but an integral part of a side that has often been rescued by its bowling arsenal.
That Kagiso Rabada has been ruled out of the IPL, perhaps, the biggest and sourest news at this time comes with a fair share of reprieve. Particularly for those batsmen who would’ve been a witness to his menacing form throughout the summer. In what has been a brilliant result for South Africa, particularly where their recent Test match record stands, you would have to say that one of the cornerstones for Proteas’ success at home was Rabada’s form, regardless of whether he attacked with the new ball or the used one.
The menacing form he had been in
He gave India a fair share of troubles; easily overpowering the likes of Vijay, Pujara and the lower order. Later on, in a literal one-sided series contested against Australia- one of South Africa’s strongest cricketing rivals- Rabada elevated his game and pushed Aussie batsmen to the back-foot. That said, one can simply imagine the kind of difference Kagiso Rabada would’ve brought out to the Delhi Daredevils outfit- a side that’s often been embattled, regardless of playing at home in Kotla or traveling around in the IPL. Earlier today, in news emanating from South Africa, it was shared that Rabada picked up a stress injury to his back- a pivotal component of any fast bowling tearaway.
Kagiso Rabada ruled out of the IPL also, in some ways, also heightens the discussion that hasn’t yet been given its due share of impetus; are modern day fast bowlers being overworked? Or could it be that due to the constant adjustment that many a contemporary cricketer has to undergo- with a Test series often leading to either an ODI or a T20 contest in succession- exerting the extra bit of adjustment struggle for modern age competitors? And if so, could it be because of this changing gears in cricketing action that fast bowlers often have to bear the brunt of what eventually turns out to be truncated cricketing appearances?
Will IPL 2018 be dull sans Rabada?
Who is to say? All one knows is that Rabada- with his menacing pace and probing bounce- would’ve been one of the tops draws in IPL 2018. Sadly, that is no longer a reality.
