Humble Rabada keeps his feet on the ground

28 July 2016 - 09:37 By KHANYISO TSHWAKU

Clinching six gongs at Tuesday's Cricket SA Awards would go to most young heads, but St Stithians old boy Kagiso Rabada, 21, seems to have his feet on the ground. At his age, most people are still trying to figure out the meaning of life, but he is already setting out his stall as an international superstar."I don't know what you mean when you say I've arrived," he said after a gala dinner at the Sandton Convention Centre."I don't know what that means and I'll need to get a definition for that. I don't know if I've arrived in sport. I don't think I'm feared and in many sports, you get so many players who assert themselves and play for their countries. They are true champions and they're not scared of any battle," Rabada said."I feel like there's more to life than just cricket even though cricket is my passion. You'd find that the majority of do-gooders, role models and people who have done well in life are humble and down to earth. I've always been like this and maybe this is how I was brought up. It's just the way I am."Rabada's choice of spending a winter with Kent in the English County Championship instead of going for the instant riches of the Indian Premier League and the Caribbean Premier League speaks of a player still keen on improving his game. It is a sign of maturity often evident in his death bowling.There could be questions around longevity, especially with the strenuous nature of the County Championship but Rabada is aware of his importance to the national cause.There is the small matter of New Zealand's inbound tour next month, which will be followed by the tour of Australia in November. With their clutches of attacking batsmen, questions will be asked of Rabada's character and mental fortitude. He seems to be up for the challenge."I know there will be a lot more expectations and I'll just have to find a way to deal with it. It'll be another challenge because not everything is on the cricket field. There are many things that need to be overcome and fear is one of them. I see those obstacles as a challenge and I'll try to do my best for the team," Rabada said."I can't control how many wickets I'll take and won't take. I'll just make sure I keep things simple and look after my preparations."..

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