Ten years have passed since Kagiso Rabada, then eighteen, captured the attention of the world in the United Arab Emirates.
Rabada was playing in his maiden international cricket tournament in the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup. He is now rated No. 2 in the MRF Tyres ICC Rankings for Test bowlers.
Along with senior international partner Aiden Markram, the dynamic pacer went on to capture 14 wickets at 10.28 in the competition, leading South Africa to victory.
“I remember we were really amped for our U19 World Cup,” stated Rabada. “After competing against one another in provincial competitions, we now play together for South Africa.
“And that was a big deal because we could represent our country.”
Bangladesh’s fixation with the U-19 team and its aftermath
With nostalgia, Rabada recalled the feelings he had as he onto the field for the first time.
“Back then, my mindset was to relish the environment that I was in and to announce myself on the world stage,” he said.
It was a great chance to realize my ambition of representing South Africa, and it was quite thrilling. And I couldn’t wait to see the park.”
Rabada urged every participant in the competition to grasp the opportunity ahead of the 2024 edition.
“My message before the World Cup is that it’s a huge privilege and honour to represent the country,” he said.
“It’s a huge platform for you to introduce yourself as a unique and show everyone that you are capable of dominating the global scene.
“You should anticipate seeing some future greats as well as future stars. You might also assert that you were the first to see them.”
“It is not ideal to select U19 players directly for the national team.”
The ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup in South Africa is scheduled to start on January 19 and end on February 11 in South Africa.