Kagiso Rabada

Kagiso Rabada is a South African fast bowler who has established himself as one of the premier pace bowlers in world cricket since his debut in 2015.

Kagiso Rabada was born on 25 May 1995 in Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa, and was identified early for his fiery pace and bounce despite coming from a humble background, progressing through Gauteng provincial cricket before an outstanding Under-19 World Cup campaign in 2014 established him as the country's most promising fast bowler. Rabada made his international debut later that year, and delivered a stunning start to his career, taking a then-record 6 for 16 on ODI debut against Bangladesh in 2015, before becoming the youngest South African bowler ever to reach 100 Test wickets. Rabada became the youngest bowler in history to reach 150 Test wickets in 2018, and has continued to lead South Africa's pace attack for over a decade, helping the team win the 2025 ICC World Test Championship final, only the country's second ICC title. Rabada served a brief suspension in 2025 after testing positive for a recreational drug following a domestic match, an offence he admitted to and for which his ban was reduced after completing a substance abuse treatment programme. He has continued to represent South Africa and play extensively in franchise Twenty20 leagues worldwide, remaining one of the most consistently dangerous fast bowlers in the modern game.

Rabada is an aggressive fast bowler who combines raw pace with excellent control and movement. He generates steep bounce and can swing the ball both ways, making him equally effective with the new ball and in reverse swing conditions. His ability to bowl consistently at high speeds while maintaining accuracy makes him a constant threat to batsmen.

Rabada has established himself as one of the finest fast bowlers of his generation and has been the cornerstone of South African pace bowling in the post-Dale Steyn era.

• multiple ICC Test Team of the Year selections