kagiso rabada – Artifex.News

Drug ban low, WTC high, now IPL blitz: Rabada reflects on roller-coaster 12 months

admin — Thu, 14 May 2026 10:02:00 +0000

Having endured the low of a drugs ban and experienced the high of a long-awaited ICC title during a roller-coaster year, South Africa and Gujarat Titans pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada says he has grown to become nonchalant about criticism. File
| Photo Credit: Shashi Shekhar Kashyap

Rabada missed a majority of last year’s IPL to serve a one-month ban for cocaine abuse. But he bounced back within weeks in June 2025 to be a part of the World Test Championship (WTC) title-winning South African team.

“What I learned from that is not to take people’s opinion seriously. Not to take the world, not to take things too seriously. Sometimes things are blown out of proportion. Sometimes things just get hyped out of proportion,” Rabada told PTI in an interview.

“The things that really matter to you. All of those people who are close to you. How you feel about yourself. That’s really what I learned in a nutshell. That you’re not going to make everyone happy. And that you shouldn’t try to make everyone happy. Just remember who you are,” he said.

The 30-year-old, who is inching close to 600 international wickets across formats, could not play the away Test series against India due a rib bone injury in December last year.

South Africa created history by hammering India in their own backyard 2-0 last November.

Currently, Rabada is bowling thunderbolts in the IPL, regularly clocking 150kmph, and is among the leading wicket-takers with 21 scalps.

International cricket over MLC and Hundred after IPL

Rabada is among the few leading international players who feature across formats.

However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to be available in all three formats with the amount of cricket going on around the world.

In a packed cricketing calendar, Rabada sees the need to find more rest phases to stay injury-free.

“Yes, my body is feeling pretty decent, I must say. Touchwood. Continuing to try and stay on top of things, not letting things build up and cause unnecessary headaches in the future. It’s just about not taking things for granted and that’s what I’m trying to do.

“There’s no real change in fitness regime. Just when you get older you have to work a lot more on smaller things. I’ve always been someone who works really hard,” he said.

Is picking and choosing the way forward to play all formats? “Picking and choosing, I don’t think that’s the right phrase that I would like to use. I think the right phrase I would like to use is just being wise around what I’m playing and when.” With a busy Test season at home involving Australia and England and the ODI World Cup later in 2027, Rabada decided to give franchise leagues like Major League Cricket and The Hundred a miss this year.

“You’re looking at a year of planning. So there’s other leagues that we can play like MLC, the Hundred. And for me it’s sacrificing those and not playing those to get ready for international cricket,” Rabada added.

Published – May 14, 2026 03:32 pm IST

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IPL 2026 | Parthiv punts on new ball pair to inflict maximum damage

admin — Fri, 08 May 2026 14:33:00 +0000

Gujarat Titans’ Kagiso Rabada during the practice session ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) – 2026 cricket match against Rajasthan Royals (RR), at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, Rajasthan on Friday, May 8, 2026.
| Photo Credit: SHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKAR

Assistant coach Parthiv Patel said Gujarat Titans would look to maximise the impact of its pace attack against Rajasthan Royals by striking early in Saturday’s (May 9, 2026) Indian Premier League (IPL) clash at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.

“If we get wickets at the start, then we have quite an upper hand in the game. Our plans are quite set, and we are quite comfortable with the way we are playing right now. With the kind of bowling attack we have, we would want to restrict them to the minimum score possible,” he said on Friday.

Parthiv reserved special praise for the new-ball pair of Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada, highlighting the pressure they have created in recent matches.

Vibing with our neighbours in the Pink City pic.twitter.com/83ID3ixJuu

— Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) May 7, 2026

“Both are highly performing players at the international level. You know the pedigree both of them bring, especially with the new ball. Rabada bowling 150 kph consistently and the way Siraj has been putting pressure — it’s great to see.”

He also hailed the influence of Jason Holder, calling him “that proper all-rounder” capable of anchoring an innings or finishing aggressively, while also bringing tactical awareness with the ball.

Parthiv also praised Rajasthan youngsters Ashok Sharma and Manav Suthar, calling the former “a very good prospect” with “a very bright future for India” while highlighting the latter’s maturity and consistency in domestic cricket.

Published – May 08, 2026 08:03 pm IST

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IPL 2026 | GT will look to build on two successive wins as it faces tabletopper PBKS

admin — Sat, 02 May 2026 15:18:00 +0000

Gujarat Titans’ Shubman Gill during a practice session ahead of the IPL 2026 T20 cricket match against Punjab Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on Thursday, May 02, 2026.
| Photo Credit: VIJAY SONEJI

Published – May 02, 2026 08:48 pm IST

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Rabada to lead strong South Africa pace attack at T20 World Cup

admin — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 21:56:00 +0000

South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada celebrates after taking the wicket. File.
| Photo Credit: AP

Kagiso Rabada leads a strong South Africa pace attack for the T20 World Cup in February.

Rabada returned to competitive cricket on New Year’s Eve in the SA20 with figures of 2-48 for MI Cape Town after being sidelined for almost 10 weeks due to a rib injury.

Anrich Nortje, Corbin Bosch, Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen and Kwena Maphaka were the other pace options picked in the squad on Friday.

Batters Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi and Jason Smith, allrounders George Linde and Donovan Ferreira and fast bowlers Bosch and Maphaka will feature in their first World Cup.

Quinton de Kock, who recently reversed his retirement, was retained and among the seven Proteas players who lost the 2024 final to India in Barbados.

Notable players to miss out included Reeza Hendricks, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs and Tabrazi Shamsi.

“We have had to make some big calls but we feel this group is the strongest and has every chance of succeeding in India and Sri Lanka,” selection convener Patrick Moroney said in a statement. “We have assembled a world-class squad with some of the finest and most experienced players in the game, together with some of the best T20 youngsters coming through.”

South Africa will be led by Aiden Markram, who is expected to open the innings with de Kock.

With the subcontinent pitches also expected to suit spinners, South Africa has gone with two experienced left-armers in Keshav Maharaj and George Linde. Markram and Ferreira were part-time spin options.

South Africa will host the West Indies for three T20s before its first T20 World Cup game against Canada in India on Feb. 9. Afghanistan, New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates are also in the Proteas’ group.

Published – January 03, 2026 03:26 am IST

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Dark Horses Afghanistan Eye Another Good Show, South Africa Aim To Shed Chokers Tag

admin — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 08:01:34 +0000

Debutants Afghanistan will aim to continue their impressive rise in white-ball cricket, while South Africa will once again attempt to shed the ‘chokers’ tag when the two sides kick off their Champions Trophy campaign in Karachi on Friday. The inaugural Champions Trophy in 1998, which was called the Knockout Trophy at that time, remains the only ICC men’s senior title that South Africa have secured despite having produced some of the world’s greatest cricketers, especially in limited-overs format. The Proteas boast of a well-balanced squad with a formidable batting lineup.

While skipper Temba Bavuma, Tony de Zorzi, Rassie van der Dussen, and Aiden Markram will anchor the top order, the big-hitting trio of Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller and Tristan Stubbs are well-equipped to provide the final flourish.

South Africa’s biggest challenge heading into the tournament is their depleted bowling attack as key pacers Anrich Nortje, Nandre Burger, and Gerald Coetzee ruled out due to injuries.

Known for his pace, aggression, and the knack of striking at crucial moments, Kagiso Rabada will be the Proteas’ key weapon in both the powerplay and death overs.

Marco Jansen, too, will be expected to step up significantly. His ability to build pressure and deliver impactful spells will be crucial.

Meanwhile, Lungi Ngidi will be looking to rediscover his rhythm and confidence after a below-par showing in the recent tri-series.

In the spin department, Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi will have vital roles.

Since the 2023 ODI World Cup, South Africa have won only four of the 14 ODIs they have played. They enter the tournament on the back of a six-match losing streak.

But one cannot overlook the fact that they were not able to field a full strength team in any of these games due to multiple reasons.

Clubbed alongside an off-colour England, injury-plagued Australia and Afghanistan, South Africa have a good chance of advancing to the knockout stage. But the Afghans could prove to be the proverbial banana peel.

The war-torn nation has emerged as strong contenders to make the semifinals.

Their impressive performances in recent ICC events include dominant wins over England, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka in the 2023 ODI World Cup and reaching the semifinals of the T20 World Cup last year.

They have proved more than once that they are no longer underdogs but a force to be reckoned with.

The Adghans have won four of their five bilateral series since the ODI World Cup, including one against South Africa in the UAE.

Their biggest strength expectedly remains their spin attack comprising the redoubtable Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and left-armers Noor Ahmad and Nangeyalia Kharote.

They will play all three group matches in Pakistan where spin will be a decisive factor.

Pacer Azmatullah Omarzai has been a key figure in Afghanistan’s ODI success, with his ability to swing the new ball providing them the powerplay edge.

Fazalhaq Farooqi will be another crucial weapon with ability to provide early breakthroughs and effective variations at the death.

In the batting department, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran will once again be expected to provide a solid start.

Their weakness, however, lies in their middle order, which has often struggled to maintain momentum. This inconsistency has been a concern, and addressing it will be crucial for their success in the tournament.

South Africa: Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen, Corbin Bosch.

Afghanistan: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Malik, Naveed Zadran.

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Gujarat Titans IPL 2025 Full Schedule: GT Fixtures, Dates, Timings, Venues

admin — Sun, 16 Feb 2025 13:49:28 +0000

Gujarat Titans Schedule IPL 2025: One-time champion Gujarat Titans will be entering the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season under the leadership of newly-appointed India ODI vice-captain Shubman Gill, and aim to return to the playoff stage. After winning in their first season – and reaching two finals in two years – GT could manage only an eighth-place finish in 2024. Gujarat also kept Rashid Khan, B Sai Sudharsan, Rahul Tewatia and Shahrukh Khan in the retentions, and bought big names like Jos Buttler and Kagiso Rabada in the mega auction.

Here is Gujarat Titans’ IPL 2025 schedule in full:

March 25 – GT vs PBKS – Ahmedabad – 7:30 PM

March 29 – GT vs MI – Ahmedabad – 7:30 PM

April 2 – RCB vs GT – Bengaluru – 7:30 PM

April 6 – SRH vs GT – Hyderabad – 7:30 PM

April 9 – GT vs RR – Ahmedabad – 7:30 PM

April 12 – LSG vs GT – Lucknow – 3:30 PM

April 19 – GT vs DC – Ahmedabad – 3:30 PM

April 21 – KKR vs GT – Kolkata – 7:30 PM

April 28 – RR vs GT – Jaipur – 7:30 PM

May 2 – GT vs SRH – Ahmedabad – 7:30 PM

May 6 – MI vs GT – Mumbai – 7:30 PM

May 11 – DC vs GT – Delhi – 7:30 PM

May 14 – GT vs LSG – Ahmedabad – 7:30 PM

May 18 – GT vs CSK – Ahmedabad – 3:30 PM

GT IPL 2025 Squad: Rashid Khan, Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Rahul Tewatia, Shahrukh Khan, Kagiso Rabada (Rs. 10.75 crore), Jos Buttler (Rs. 15.75 crore). Mohammed Siraj (Rs. 12.25 crore), Prasidh Krishna (Rs. 9.50 crore), Nishant Sindhu (Rs. 30 lakh), Mahipal Lomror (Rs. 1.70 crore), Kumar Kushagra (Rs. 65 lakh), Anuj Rawat (Rs. 30 lakh), Manav Suthar (Rs. 30 lakh), Washington Sundar (Rs. 3.20 crore), Gerald Coetzee (Rs. 2.40 crore), Arshad Khan (Rs. 1.30 crore), Gurnoor Brar (Rs. 1.30 crore), Sherfane Rutherford (Rs. 2.60 crore), Sai Kishore (Rs. 2 crore), Ishant Sharma (Rs. 75 lakh), Jayant Yadav (Rs. 75 lakh), Glenn Phillips (Rs. 2 crore), Karim Janat (Rs. 75 lakh), Kulwant Khejroliya (Rs. 30 lakh).

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South Africa Announce Squad For Champions Trophy, Include Veteran Pacers

admin — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 08:19:54 +0000

South Africa on Monday included Lungi Ngidi and Anrich Nortje in the Temba Bavuma-led squad for next month’s Champions Trophy after the pacers recovered sufficiently from their respective injuries. Nortje sustained an injury on his big toe last month which ruled him out of the series against Pakistan while a groin strain in November forced Ngidi to miss the series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan. South Africa, the semifinalists of the 2023 ODI World Cup, are placed in group B of the Champions Trophy. They will start their campaign against Afghanistan in Karachi on February 21 before meeting Australia in Rawalpindi on February 25 and their final group game is against England on March 1.

However, frontline pacer Gerald Coetzee was not picked because of the groin injury that he suffered during the first Test against Sri Lanka in Durban last year.

Subsequently, he missed the second Test at Gqerberha and the entire home rubber against Pakistan.

Pacer Nandre Burger, who suffered a a lumbar stress reaction, ahead of the ODI series against Ireland in early October too was not considered for selection.

However, the Proteas trusted the improving fitness of all-rounder Wiaan Mulder, who broke his middle finger in the series against Sri Lanka, but he played in the second Test against Pakistan after the physios gave the green signal. Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi are the specialist spinners, who will be assisted by Aiden Markram’s part-time off-spin.

South Africa squad: Temba Bavuma (captain), Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen.

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“We Know How To Beat Them”: South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada On WTC Final vs Australia

admin — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 08:21:22 +0000

Fiery South African pacer Kagiso Rabada, no stranger to beating Australia, believes the prospect of facing them in the World Test Championship final at Lord’s in June has already sparked anticipation and motivation in his side. Reigning champions Australia secured their spot in the WTC final with a six-wicket victory over India in the fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Sydney, clinching the series 3-1. South Africa were the first team to qualify after defeating Pakistan by 10 wickets in the Boxing Day Test.

“It’s actually quite some distance away, but a big occasion like the World Test Championship final gets you up for it,” Rabada said on SuperSport after taking a six-wicket haul in his side’s 10-wicket, second-Test demolition of Pakistan that completed a 2-0 sweep.

Up against defending champions Australia, the Proteas will start as underdogs but Rabada, who twice played a big part in winning series against Australia in 2016-17 and 2017-18, is confident of pulling off an upset.

“South Africa versus Australia has always been an intense rivalry, because we play cricket quite similar. We play hard — and they’re going to come hard at us, and we know that. But we also know how to beat them,” he said.

About the significance of Test cricket, Rabada said: “One hundred per cent, Test cricket is still alive. It’s our best format that we’ve been playing right now.

“When you look at South African cricket and all our legends, they’ve all been great Test cricketers. The world’s best players are Test cricketers, and this series against Pakistan has been a wonderful advertisement for Test cricket, especially in South Africa.” The Proteas don’t have any Test assignment in the build-up to the WTC Final at Lord’s from June 11-16 and coach Shukri Conard has said they’re looking at the possibility of a one-off match against either Ireland or Afghanistan.

“We’re going to try and get a Test match, possibly in the UK, against Ireland or Afghanistan, whoever is free. And if unsuccessful, we’ll obviously go out a couple of days earlier, and make sure we camp there really well, probably in Canterbury,” said Conrad.

The coach was also all praise for his skipper Temba Bavuma for playing a key role in South Africa’s resurgence.

“He’s played unbelievably well this summer, and full marks to him,” Conrad said.

“I think any captain who wants to lead from the front, they want to lead through performance as well, and that’s what Temba’s done exceptionally well.

“He’s not lost a game as captain of South Africa (winning eight out of nine Tests). Leading from the front, turning out the performances he’s had, he’s probably in the form of his life.

“I haven’t seen him play any better, and that obviously gives you a lot of confidence when you’re captaining as well. I wouldn’t want anyone else to be captaining us.”

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South Africa vs Pakistan 2nd Test Day 4, Highlights: South Africa Seal Top Spot In WTC Table With 10-Wicket Victory

admin — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 15:51:47 +0000

South Africa vs Pakistan 2nd Test Day 4, Highlights: Despite a stunning century by Pakistan captain Shan Masood and a valiant batting effort by Pakistan to overturn the follow-on deficit, South Africa romped to a 10-wicket victory and a convincing 2-0 series win at home. Pakistan batted for majority of Day 4, with Masood making 145, Salman Agha 48 and Mohammad Rizwan 41. However, the second-innings total of 478 was not enough due to South Africa’s huge lead early on, and a final target of 58 was easily chased down by the Proteas. David Bedingham opened the batting, scoring 44 off 30 balls to help them reach the target in just 7.1 overs. (Scorecard)

The win ensures that South Africa will top the World Test Championship (WTC) table for the 2023-25 cycle. Their next game will be the final, against Australia at Lord’s in June.

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South Africa vs Pakistan 2nd Test Day 4, Live Score Updates

admin — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 09:47:34 +0000

South Africa vs Pakistan 2nd Test Day 4, Live Updates: Pakistan will be resuming the Day 4 of the ongoing second Test against South Africa from 213/1, trailing by 208 runs. Currently, Shan Masood (102*) and Khurram Shahzad (8*) standing unbeaten at the crease. Earlier on Day 3, Shan Masood and Babar Azam shared a record opening partnership as Pakistan fought back after conceding a 421-run first innings deficit. Babar, who has not scored an international century since August 2023, fell short again when he was caught in the gully off Marco Jansen 14 minutes before the close of play. (Live Scorecard)

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