Kagiso Rabada's recent phenomenal ascent to the summit of the International Cricket Council's one-day international bowling rankings may have surprised some, but not former Test legend Makhaya Ntini.
Ntini, the first black African fast bowler to play Test cricket for South Africa, has been following Rabada's progress for years and the 22-year-old's development and maturity have impressed him.
"A few years ago we started hearing stories that there was a talented, young and quick bowler at the Lions," Ntini said.
"When he started getting game time at franchise level the signs were there for everyone to see.
"I am happy he is fulfilling his undoubted potential and he has managed to reach the top of the ODI rankings. "I sent him a congratulatory message for his achievement. It feels good to see another black South African bowler doing well at that level of the game."
Ntini said although Rabada's achievement was commendable, the 22-year-old star now needed to make sure he was consistent if he wanted to stay at the top.
"It is difficult to get to that level, so the most important thing for him now is to stay there," said Ntini
"He must play consistently in the coming months as he has been doing recently. He took his opportunity in the absence of Dale Steyn and he is going to be an important player for us during the Champions Trophy.
"We have AB de Villiers as the No1-ranked batsman in the format, now Rabada as the No1-ranked bowler. Now, the rest of the players must back them up," Ntini said.
Another man who never doubted Rabada's talent is Lions coach Geoffrey Toyana, who has worked with him from an early age.
"I am not surprised at all that he has managed to achieve something this special," Toyana said.
"The only thing I did not expect is how quickly he has done it. He is a special player with a bright future. Hopefully he stays grounded and injury-free in the years to come."
- TMG Digital/TMG Sport
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