Rabada Credits Team Unity After WTC Triumph

LONDON: Kagiso Rabada, the prominent South African fast bowler, lauded mental toughness and team cohesion as key factors in their momentous victory against Australia in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final. He delivered a stellar performance with the ball and showed great team spirit.

“Typically, you have two inner voices: one filled with doubt and the other with confidence. We focus on nurturing the latter, particularly in crucial moments like the World Test Championship final,” Rabada shared with reporters at Lord’s.

“The performances you witnessed are a direct result of this mindset. It truly reflects the strength of our team this season,” he emphasized.

Over the course of an intense five-day match comprising ten nail-biting sessions, South Africa made an impressive start by dismissing Australia for 212. However, they subsequently struggled, being bowled out for just 138 in their initial innings, thus relinquishing their advantage.

A pivotal bowling display in the second innings shifted the momentum once more, with South Africa reducing Australia to a precarious 73 for 7 at one stage. Despite Australia’s recovery to post 282, the target remained achievable on an increasingly favorable pitch.

Head Coach Shukri Conrad commended the entire bowling attack, especially Rabada, for establishing the foundation for their triumph.

“Where did the turnaround occur? Undoubtedly, it was that bowling performance. We could have easily lost focus, allowing them to gain a significant advantage,” Conrad noted. “As for KG, he’s a true superstar. He recognized the importance of seizing this opportunity.”

When questioned about his standing in South African cricket, Rabada modestly downplayed his achievements.

“I don’t consider myself a star,” he stated, even though he holds the fourth position on South Africa’s all-time list of wicket-takers and boasts the best strike rate among bowlers with over 200 Test wickets. “I view myself as someone dedicated to giving everything for the team, consistently working hard and striving for improvement. As a cricketer, my focus is always on continuous growth and representing the team with immense pride.”

“I’ve been putting in a tremendous amount of effort, and those second-innings spells are particularly meaningful, especially when fatigue sets in. You might find yourself behind or ahead in the game. In this instance, we were trailing, but it was about maintaining composure and concentrating on the present task. That’s how I approach the game.”

The right-arm quick highlighted the strong bond and shared experiences within the team. “It’s like playing with a group of friends,” he remarked.

This sentiment is not merely metaphorical. Rabada, Wiaan Mulder, and Ryan Rickelton all attended the same school in Johannesburg, while Kyle Verreynne and David Bedingham share an alma mater in Cape Town.

Rabada and Temba Bavuma have competed together domestically since Rabada’s debut, and he and Aiden Markram were integral members of the under-19 team that secured the World Cup in 2014.

Lungi Ngidi, who was initially selected for that squad before an injury sidelined him, also played a vital role in the WTC final.

Although Rabada claimed the first three wickets in Australia’s second innings, it was Ngidi who disrupted the middle order with a compelling nine-over spell, taking three wickets and redeeming his underwhelming performance in the first innings.

Conrad had supported Ngidi due to his “bounce, seam, and swing movement,” and the bowler delivered when it mattered most.

When questioned about Ngidi’s subpar performance on the opening day, Rabada offered encouragement rather than criticism. “I suggested he have a steak, a milkshake, and watch a movie,” he said humorously. “He followed my advice—and returned stronger.”

This connection among teammates, nurtured over years of development in the public spotlight, has evolved into a formidable Test unit. With a sequence of eight consecutive Test victories and two more anticipated against Zimbabwe, South Africa is poised to achieve a record-breaking 10-match winning streak. Most significantly, they have secured their first global trophy bearing the term “world.”

Even as the allure of league cricket becomes increasingly prominent, Rabada embodies a nucleus of players who remain deeply dedicated to representing their nation.

“This is an unforgettable moment. It’s an experience none of us will forget. Playing against Australia, a seasoned team with a slightly older squad, with all due respect, some of whom were playing when we were in high school,” he noted. “This victory is incredibly special. It hasn’t fully registered yet. I struggle to articulate it.”