Kagiso Rabada is determined to turn any harsh words from Australian fans about his positive doping test into motivation.
Playing against Australia means facing pressure not just from the opponents on the field but also from their supporters and the media off it. For Rabada, that challenge has grown tougher recently. After testing positive in a doping test, the South African pacer might face harsh criticism, but he’s not worried. Instead, he welcomes his critics.
South Africa will face Australia in the ICC World Test Championship final, set to take place at the historic Lord’s starting June 11. It’s the closest South Africa has come to winning the title, so Rabada, along with teammates Lungi Ngidi and Aiden Markram, has already begun training with the national team, skipping the IPL playoffs.
Rabada has been going through a tough time over the last couple of months. At the beginning of April, he suddenly left the IPL, with his team, Gujarat Titans, citing “important personal reasons” for his departure. Later, it was revealed that Rabada was serving a one-month ban after testing positive in a doping test. After serving the suspension, he returned to the IPL but played only two matches. Overall, in four matches, he managed just two wickets with expensive bowling figures.
Now, after the IPL, Rabada is focusing on country cricket. He knows facing Australia in the Test final won’t be easy, both on and off the field.
He is well aware that Australian fans may throw harsh words at him off the pitch. In an interview with South African Broadcasting Corporation, Rabada said he plans to use that as fuel.
“Actually, I think when they attack me, that’s when I perform my best. When they target me, I play even better.”
The experienced pacer said he won’t let any criticism or harsh remarks get to him.
“Any kind of verbal attacks, or if the media wants to say something, that’s normal. It’s part of our game. You can’t ignore it; you have to be aware. But I don’t think it will stop me.”
“They’ve been doing this for years, haven’t they? So, let’s see what happens this time.”
