Kagiso Rabada is a South African right-arm fast bowler known for high pace, late movement, and relentless accuracy. Since debuting as a teenager, he has led the Proteas’ attack across formats, earning early No. 1 rankings in both Tests and ODIs and delivering match-defining spells at home and abroad. In franchise cricket, he has been a consistent wicket-taker, including a Purple Cap season in the IPL. He plays domestic cricket for the Lions and has represented South Africa in all three formats since 2014–15.

Quick facts

Early Life

Rabada grew up in Johannesburg and attended St Stithians Boys’ College, a school with a strong cricket culture. His acceleration through age-group cricket was rapid: standout performances at provincial level led to selection for South Africa’s 2014 Under-19 World Cup squad, where he famously took 6/25 in the semifinal versus Australia en route to South Africa winning the title. These displays fast-tracked him into professional cricket with Gauteng and the Lions.

Personal Life

Rabada keeps his personal life relatively private. He hails from Johannesburg and has often highlighted the role his family played in his career. Interviews have revealed his interests beyond cricket, including music and fashion, while he maintains a low-key lifestyle off the field. The consistent theme through his public appearances is his dedication to fitness and his commitment to sustaining high pace across formats.

Domestic Career

After excelling for Gauteng and the Lions, Rabada’s first-class and List-A numbers quickly drew national attention. He debuted for South Africa A in 2014 and, within months, for the senior side. His domestic pathway is often cited as a model: strong provincial returns, immediate impact for the Lions, and rapid conversion to international wickets. He has remained available for Lions when schedules allow, sharpening rhythm with the red ball between international duties.

Domestic & early pathway – snapshot

Test Career

Rabada’s Test debut came in India in November 2015. Back on quicker surfaces at home a few months later, he announced himself with 13/144 against England at Centurion (2016), becoming the youngest South African to take a 10-for in Tests. He surged to 150 Test wickets at a record pace for South Africa, and by early 2018 had climbed to No. 1 in the ICC Test bowling rankings.

In the 2025 cycle, he continued to hit milestones, including a five-wicket haul at Lord’s during the World Test Championship Final, overtaking Allan Donald on South Africa’s all-time Test wicket list.

Test highlights & records (selected)

ODI Career

Rabada’s ODI debut is part of modern cricket folklore: 6/16 including a hat-trick against Bangladesh at Dhaka on July 10, 2015—the best figures by any bowler on ODI debut and only the second ODI debut hat-trick in history. Since then, he has led South Africa’s attack at multiple ICC tournaments, mixing new-ball wickets with death-overs yorkers.

ODI milestones & role

T20I Career

Rabada debuted in T20Is at Adelaide on Nov 5, 2014, dismissing Glenn Maxwell on debut. In the shortest format, he blends hard length with surprise bouncers and tailing yorkers, often bowling two overs in the Powerplay and two at the death. Across bilateral series and World Cups, he has been South Africa’s high-leverage option for crunch overs.

T20I key notes

IPL Career

Rabada has been a force in the IPL. He starred for Delhi Capitals, taking 25 wickets in 2019 and a league-leading 30 wickets in 2020 to win the Purple Cap as DC reached their first final. He moved to Punjab Kings in 2022 and topped their wicket charts that season with 23 in 13 matches. Ahead of IPL 2025, he joined Gujarat Titans, continuing to add to his tournament tally of 100+ wickets.

IPL snapshot (career)

Aggregate IPL numbers

Records and Achievements

• ODI debut masterclass: 6/16 with a hat-trick vs Bangladesh—best figures on ODI debut and a rare debut hat-trick.

• Rapid Test milestones: youngest South African to a 10-for (13/144 vs England, 2016); among the fastest modern bowlers to 200 Test wickets.

• ICC rankings at 22: reached No. 1 in both Test and ODI bowling rankings early in his career.

• WTC Final 2025 five-for: 5/51 at Lord’s; climbed past Allan Donald on South Africa’s all-time Test wicket list.

• IPL Purple Cap: 30 wickets in 2020; multiple 20+ wicket seasons in the IPL.

Unified Career Stats

Here’s a consolidated table of Kagiso Rabada’s international and IPL career stats (as of September 2025):