The world of cricket is filled with debates, but few are as intriguing as the case of Kagiso Rabada. The South African speedster is a force of nature with the red ball, yet often seems a shadow of himself with the white one. A growing chorus of analysts and fans are beginning to assert a compelling argument: Kagiso Rabada is a modern-day great in Test match cricket, but just an average bowler in T20 format. But is this a fair assessment, or a harsh oversimplification? Let’s break down the numbers and the nuances behind this fascinating cricketing Jekyll and Hyde.
King Kagiso: Undeniable Greatness in the Test Arena
There is no debate here. When it comes to the purest form of the game, Kagiso Rabada is a modern-day great. His record speaks for itself, placing him firmly among the elite pace bowlers of this generation.
- Staggering Strike Rate: Rabada’s strike rate in Test cricket (a wicket every 41.1 balls) is one of the best among bowlers with over 200 wickets in the modern era. This puts him in the company of legends like Dale Steyn and Waqar Younis. He doesn’t just contain; he attacks and takes wickets in clusters, often breaking games open.
- Wickets Against the Best: His performances against the top teams like India, England, and Australia, often in their own backyard, cement his status. He leads the attack with ferocity, skill, and a never-say-die attitude.
- The “X-Factor” in Tests: His ability to generate extreme pace, seam movement, and bounce from any surface makes him a nightmare for batsmen. He embodies the spirit of Test match bowling.
There is no question that Kagiso Rabada is a modern-day great in Test match cricket. His Hall of Fame credentials are already being engraved.
The T20 Conundrum: Why is KG “Just an Average Bowler”?
Now, we flip the coin. The statement that he is just an average bowler in T20 format is where the discussion gets heated. The statistics, especially in the high-pressure IPL, tell a revealing story.
- The Hard Numbers: In the IPL, Rabada’s economy rate often hovers around 8.5 to 9.5 runs per over. While he takes wickets (he won the Purple Cap in 2020), he frequently goes for runs at crucial stages. Compared to death-over specialists like Jasprit Bumrah or even teammates like Anrich Nortje at his peak, Rabada’s numbers can look pedestrian. This is the core of the argument that he is an average bowler in T20 format.
- Skill Set Mismatch? Test bowling is about building pressure, exploiting technical flaws over time, and bowling long, consistent spells. T20 bowling, especially at the death, is about executing one-off yorkers, clever slower balls, and wide yorkers under immense pressure. Rabada’s biggest weapons—the full, fast, straight ball that nips back in—can sometimes become hit-me deliveries if the length is even slightly off.
- The “X-Factor” Becomes Predictable: In T20s, batsmen are looking to attack every ball. Rabada’s aggression and pace can be used against him, as batsmen use his velocity to deflect and score to all parts of the ground. His predictable plans in the death overs have been exploited by savvy batsmen.
This evidence strongly supports the claim that while world-class in Tests, his T20 performances can be decidedly average.
The Middle Ground: Context is Key
However, branding Kagiso Rabada as “average” in T20s might be too severe. Context is crucial.
- The Role He Plays: Rabada is often tasked with bowling the toughest overs—in the powerplay and at the death. His economy rate will naturally be higher than a bowler who only bowls in the middle overs. His wicket-taking ability, even if expensive, is invaluable.
- The Evolution of a Bowler: Rabada is still adapting. He has shown flashes of brilliance, developing a potent slower ball and a better yorker. To write him off completely would be a mistake.
- “Average” is Harsh, “Inconsistent” is Fair: Perhaps the fairest assessment is that he is not just an average bowler in T20 format, but an inconsistent one. On his day, he can be unplayable. On others, he can be expensive. This volatility is what fuels the debate.
Final Verdict: What Are Our Thoughts?
So, what are our thoughts about this? The central thesis holds significant water. Kagiso Rabada is a modern-day great in Test match cricket—a bona fide legend of the game. His achievements with the red ball are undeniable and place him on a pedestal.
In T20s, the term “average” might be a slight exaggeration, but it points to a real truth. He has not yet translated his Test dominance into consistent, world-beating performances in the shortest format. He is a good T20 bowler on his day, but he has not yet cemented himself as a great one, especially when compared to his own astronomical Test standards.
The disparity doesn’t diminish his greatness; instead, it highlights how specialized cricket has become. Kagiso Rabada is a modern-day great in Test match cricket, but just an average bowler in T20 format is a provocative and largely accurate statement that celebrates his strengths while honestly addressing his limitations. It’s this very duality that makes him one of the most talked-about players in the world today.
What are your thoughts? Do you agree that Kagiso Rabada is a modern-day great in Test match cricket, but just an average bowler in T20 format? Let us know in the comments!