Rabada is one fortunate young man

Rabada is one fortunate young man
by @MikeHaysman 



Over the last few days 'KG' has quite rightly got everyone buzzing. His SuperSport Park performance was quite astonishing and his maturity in dealing with his new-found stardom belies his age.

At just 20 years he is headlining in every cricket media outlet on the planet and taking it all in his stride. The serious media face he wheels out is often instantly replaced by a beaming smile as soon as he rejoins his teammates in their treasured inner sanctum. Good on him. He is one special individual both on and off the cricket field.

So why is Kagiso so fortunate?

Michael Holding is in South Africa at such a crucial stage in his career. That's why. I have known Michael for a couple of decades and he is a man of integrity and pride who has lofty values. He is a terrific bloke and a very welcome addition to our SuperSport commentary team. He has also been having some discussions with Kagiso since he arrived.

I can think of no better person for Rabada to have in the wings as Michael's advice will be extremely sensible and importantly every word from his lips to KG will be in KG's best interest and nothing else. Michael has no desire whatsoever to interfere with the coaching staff on board with CSA and has told me that he is there only if Kagiso wishes to chat to him.

Michael Holding was the Rolls Royce of fast bowlers. He used to glide effortlessly to the crease like no other and deliver that red cherry at breakneck speed. His athleticism was legendary and when he was in action it was mesmerising. To have Holding just a phone call away is an amazing situation for Rabada.

Holding is very impressed with Kagiso and it is not just because of his obvious talent. Michael says that in his discussions with him he is always asking questions and is not blithely accepting Michael's advice. He always wants to know why something will help him and how it will be beneficial.


At his young age he has worked out what many don't. It is so important to be able to sift out the good advice that will work for you and discard the mountains of other well-meaning comments that will not advance your career.

During the Cape Town test Rabada told me he only listens to a few. He listed Steyn and Morkel then but let's throw Holding into that mix and the kid sure is on the right track.

During the last test Michael Holding pointed out a couple of technical changes on my touchscreen that KG can work on over time, with the most important being to work on bracing his front leg in delivery to gain greater height at release. But, Michael also said that right now everything is fine and that that change is not an easy one to make. Time is on Rabada's side.

Michael is very excited about what he sees and compares Rabada with a young Ian Bishop before his injuries sadly derailed his career. 'Bish' was very special as a young fast bowler from the Caribbean and was given the highest praise possible as he started his career. He was to be the next best fast bowling phenomenon but regrettably his back had other ideas.


Of course Michael is concerned about Rabada's current workload. The fact that Holding has commented on it publicly should once and for all put that to bed as his advice is heeded. It must be. It is as simple as that.

Holding rather sagely offered me some counsel over my cornflakes this morning. He said that the next time I see Rabada being used properly by his captain will be the first time I will see the true KG in action.

By that Michael meant that South Africa will have a full battery of fit fast bowlers and Steyn, Morkel and Philander will all be on deck. Rabada will then be utilised in true fast bowling tradition. Spells of five fast overs and no more. Four quicks being rotated in encouraging conditions combining to collect 20 scalps in a test match will be captivating to watch.

I am pretty sure I have seen that movie before. 'Whispering Death' starred in it.

Rabada is a very important player for South Africa not only because of his outstanding bowling talent but also because he is an example of a black players rising through the South African ranks and can become a role model to the black community. He also seems very well-educated and well-spoken, and does have a lot of his own ideas.

There's no question that south African cricket was looking for a black player to become a role model in their team and they needed a player that other black Africans could look up to and in Rabada they've found that perfect individual.

Not only is he a quality player, that should be first and foremost, but he also ticks all the other boxes aswell.