Kagiso Rabada Brushes Aside Comparisons With Jasprit Bumrah & Jofra Archer Ahead Of India Series

South Africa tearaway Kagiso Rabada is unfazed with the growth of Jasprit Bumrah and Jofra Archer at the international level. Just like the pace duo, Rabada was also hailed as one of the brightest prospects for the future but now, he finds himself behind these two pacers despite the fact that Archer has made his debut just before the World Cup 2019.

“I admire those bowlers, they are good bowlers. However, the media hypes certain players, and that’s okay,” Rabada told iol.co.za.

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“I know I have been playing very well. Archer is such a natural talent; Bumrah is doing wonders, and that can force you to lift your game. You are not always at the top, that’s one thing I can tell you,” he added.

Starting from Bumrah, his transition from being a T20 specialist to becoming India’s lead pacer across formats has been phenomenal. With 62 wickets in 12 Tests, Bumrah is ranked at the third spot in ICC Test rankings, just below Rabada.

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On the other hand, Archer was the hero of England’s World Cup 2019 win. He recently made his much-awaited Test debut and scalped 13 wickets in the first two Tests. Although he has had a tough time in the fourth Test in Manchester, where he went wicketless in Australia’s first innings.

Rabada, who made is debut in 2015, showed early promise but hasn’t peaked across formats. His Test numbers are the best – Rabada has 176 wickets in 37 Tests at an average of 21.77. He has been one of the best pacers around but of late, he hasn’t had much impact.

Come the India series, Rabada will lead South Africa’s pace attack in the absence of retired Dale Steyn and it remains to be seen if he can become the leader of South Africa’s pace attack that will be depleted in Steyn’s absence. He will be assisted by Vernon Philander, Lungi Ngdi and Anrich Nortje.

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The South Africa tour of India kicks off on September 15 with the first T20I to be played in Dharamsala. The next two T20Is will be played in Mohali and Bengaluru on September 18 and 22, respectively.

Both the teams will later play a three-match Test series from October 2 to 23.

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