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The Sandpaper Gate Scandal has been reignited by former Australia National Cricket Team opener Usman Khawaja. After that, there has been a stir in the cricket fraternity. Amidst this South Africa National Cricket Team pacer Kagiso Rabada has shared his insights on the recent comments made by the former Aussie opener on one of the darkest scandals in cricket history.
Right ahead of Usman Khawaja’s autobiography ‘Sabr’ release, he dropped one of the most controversial comments on the Sandpaper Gate Scandal. He claimed that the entire Australian team was aware of the incident, while only three players - then-captain Steve Smith, David Warner, and Cameron Bancroft - were handed bans. He also suggested that it was not the first time such an incident had occurred.
"We’re not concerned": Kagiso Rabada on Usman Khawaja's recent comments on Sandpapergate Scandal
While speaking to the media, Kagiso Rabada was asked about his insights on the matter, “seen the blowback that’s currently happening in Australia” and “what’s your take on it?”. He replied that he is not concerned about the fact; it is a topic for Cricket Australia, and neither his team is also concerned on this as well.
“My take on it is we’re not concerned about what they have to deal with,” Rabada told a press conference in Johannesburg on Friday (as quoted by Cricbuzz). “It’s not our topic to deal with. It’s obviously an Australian topic. I don’t see where we get involved in that.”
Kagiso Rabada's performance against Australia
The South Africa speedster was the leading wicket-taker in the 2018 series against the Kangaroos and bowled amazingly. Rabada finished with 23 wickets in the series with an average of 19.26. Despite all the controversy in the series, it does not take away from the quality of the spells Rabada delivered in that particular series.
Eight years later, Australia came to South Africa for a Test series. The Proteas yet again won the series 2-1 and dominated the series after losing the first game. In this series, Rabada once again stepped up big for his side as he picked 10 wickets with an average of 24.70. He bowled brilliantly throughout the series for the Proteas while giving crucial breakthroughs.
"It feels really good": Kagiso Rabada shares feelings on becoming No.1 Test team
Apart from speaking on the Sandpapergate, he was asked about the feeling of being the No.1 Test team in the world. He feels this is a great achievement and believes that, despite the ups and downs, he wants to keep fighting for the badge and give his best to the side. Except that he feels that the fans provided a surreal atmosphere.
Kagiso Rabada further added, “It feels really good to be the No. 1 team in the world. After going through all the ups and downs it pays off to keep at it, to keep playing for the badge and not give up. It’s not always plain sailing.”
“I’m really chuffed at the engagement from the fans,” Rabada said. “It took me by surprise that people were so interested. I love that we can contribute to people’s entertainment; that’s what we ultimately do.”
Also Read: David Warner accuses Cricket Australia of 'Cover-Up' in 2018 Sandpapergate Scandal
