Rabada wants proteas to move past WTC glory and chase more ICC titles

Kagiso Rabada is urging South Africa to move beyond the euphoria of their ICC World Test Championship (WTC) triumph and focus on adding more silverware to the trophy cabinet. The pace spearhead was instrumental in the Proteas’ historic victory over Australia at Lord’s in June, claiming nine wickets in the final to end the country’s long drought in major ICC tournaments.

“It was special, and I’ve done so many interviews on that since,” Rabada said ahead of South Africa’s limited-overs series in Australia. “I think it’s time to move on. We’ll never forget that as a team, and South Africa won’t either, but now the show moves on.”

That next chapter begins in Darwin on Sunday, with the first of three T20Is against Australia, followed by three ODIs later this month. Rabada, 30, returns to action after a lengthy break since the WTC final, refreshed and ready to lead the attack. “Thankfully, I’ve had quite a long break. Maintenance work has been important because the cricket schedule is packed,” he explained.

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With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup being in India and Sri Lanka next year and the 2027 ODI World Cup being co-hosted in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, Rabada views the forthcoming matches as a valuable opportunity to gain experience. "The mindset is going to be changed a bit now. We're not worried about anything," he said.

Rabada also savours the fact that they are always up against Australia, who seem to make us play our best. “It’s always hard cricket, good cricket. They are always in our face, and I think we like it,” he said, smiling.

As somebody who is now considered quite senior in the team, Rabada will also help others, such as teenage fast-bowling talent Kwena Maphaka." I feel obliged to mentor them. Of course, they will learn through their own experiences; we just act as a sounding board for them." For Rabada, the warning is clear: enjoy the past but focus ahead on the next trophy.