Kagiso Rabada: South Africa’s Pace Sensation – Career, Teams, and 5 Most Shocking Moments
**Let's Begin**
Kagiso Rabada is one of the most electric fast bowlers in modern cricket. With his raw velocity, precise accuracy, and ferocious intensity, he has become a cornerstone of South Africa’s bowling attack. From his record-breaking debut to his iconic stints against the world’s finest batters, Rabada’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.
In this article, we’ll explore: - **Kagiso Rabada’s career and teams** - **How many players are in his present squad? ** - **5 most startling and unforgettable moments of his career**
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## **Kagiso Rabada: Career Overview and Teams**
### **Early Life and Rise to Stardom** Born on **May 25, 1995**, in Johannesburg, Rabada swiftly ascended through the ranks of South African cricket. His breakthrough came during the **2014 U-19 World Cup**, where he took a **hat-trick against Australia** and ended as the tournament’s highest wicket-taker.
### **International Career** - **Test Debut (2015)**: Made his debut against India and instantly impressed.
- **ODI Debut (2015)**: Took a **record 6/16** against Bangladesh, the greatest figures by a debutant in ODI history.
- **T20I Debut (2014)**: Showed his adaptability across formats.
### **Franchise Cricket (IPL, SA20, and More)** Rabada has been a sought-after bowler in T20 leagues:
- **Delhi Capitals (IPL)**: Became their highest wicket-taker in many seasons.
- **Paarl Royals (SA20)**: Represents South Africa’s biggest T20 league.
- **Other Teams**: Played for **Kent (County Cricket)** and **Joburg Super Kings**.
### **Current South African Squad (How Many Players?)**
South Africa’s national team normally comprises of **15-16 players** in limited-overs teams and **up to 18 in Test squads**. Rabada is a major member across all forms.
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## **5 Most Shocking & Memorable Moments in Kagiso Rabada’s Career**
### **1. Record-Breaking ODI Debut – 6/16 versus Bangladesh (2015) ** **Why It Was Shocking?**
- Rabada became the **first bowler in history to collect a six-wicket haul on ODI debut**.
- His stats of **6/16** destroyed Bangladesh, confining them to **160**.
- At barely **20 years old**, he declared himself as a potential superstar.
### **2. The Infamous Steve Smith Stare – Test Series versus Australia (2018)** **Why It Was Shocking?**
- In a feisty Test match, Rabada **dismissed Steve Smith** and celebrated forcefully, culminating to a **controversial shoulder brush**.
- He was initially **banned for 2 Tests** (later overturned), triggering arguments about aggressiveness in cricket.
- This moment reinforced his image as a **fearless competitor**.
### **3. Hat-Trick in the IPL – Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders (2019)** **Why It Was Shocking?**
- Rabada became only the **second South African** (after JP Duminy) to capture an IPL hat-trick.
- He dismissed **Russell, Cummins, and Kuldeep Yadav** in consecutive deliveries.
- His death bowling demonstrated why he’s one of the **best T20 bowlers** in the world.
### **4. Fastest to 150 Test Wickets – Breaking Records (2020)** **Why It Was Shocking?**
- Rabada reached **150 Test wickets in just 31 matches**, surpassing icons like **Dennis Lillee and Malcolm Marshall**.
- His strike rate was among the **best in history**, confirming his domination in the longest format.
- This feat put him in the debate for **South Africa’s best fast bowlers**.
### **5. Fiery Spell versus England – 7/112 at Lord’s (2022)** **Why It Was Shocking?**
- On a flat Lord’s surface, Rabada performed a **masterclass in reverse swing**, taking **7 wickets**.
- He destroyed England’s batting order, including **Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow**.
- Despite South Africa losing, his period was acclaimed as one of the **best fast-bowling performances** of the decade.
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## **Conclusion: Why Kagiso Rabada is a Modern Great**
Kagiso Rabada’s career has been marked with **record-breaking spells, intense rivalries, and unforgettable moments**. Whether it’s his **lightning-fast yorkers**, his **aggressive celebrations**, or his **ability to perform under pressure**, he remains one of cricket’s most fascinating talents.
As he continues to spearhead South Africa’s assault, fans can anticipate more **shocking and historic performances** from this speed phenomenon.
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