ICC World Cup 2019 | I would have liked to have done better, admits Kagiso Rabada
Kagiso Rabada has stated that he had expected to perform better in the ongoing World Cup much like his country but had failed to execute his plans properly. He also discussed the defeat against Pakistan in the last match and what he was taking away from the tournament as a young player.
Kagiso Rabada has had a subpar tournament at best, having just managed to take six wickets in seven matches at an average of 50-plus. One of the most lethal and promising pacers in the world, he was supposed to be the Proteas’ strike bowler and everyone had expected him to make a lasting impact on the tournament this time around. However, much like South Africa’s dismal showing having just one win in seven games, it was not meant to be for Rabada. Â
"These [World Cups] are the tournaments you really want to stand out in. In this tournament, I would have liked to have done better. I have just done okay. I think there have been times where we have been really unlucky, and some times where we have kind of let ourselves down," Rabada said to ESPNCricinfo.
However, the 24-year-old feels he has not hit rock bottom yet even though there is a vast scope for improvement.
"I wouldn't say it was the lowest point in my career - this is what comes with the game. All of us, we don't go to a game looking to lose. We go to a game prepared. We try to prepare, we do our analysis, and we come in with a good mindset," Rabada added.
While South Africa did not have the world’s best squad at their disposal, it was certainly good enough to at least put in a good fight for the semifinal spots. But expectations took a toll on them as the country could not replicate their historically good record in the World Cup as they failed miserably to stick to their plans.
"Execution is just one thing that you know that has been a question mark for us, and especially for myself at times. And you can't just do okay," a disappointed Rabada quoted.
The loss against Pakistan on Sunday confirmed their exit from the group stages, with them ending up in the top four no longer a mathematical possibility. Pakistan were struggling a bit in the middle but the bowlers could not capitalize on it as they went on to score 308, a score South African batsmen felt 49 shorts of.
"I think Pakistan turned up and we didn't. I think we knew we had them in the field and we let it slip and then they outbowled us. They got our batsmen out," Rabada explained.
However, there is a long way to go for the bowler who has already made history in his country by being the only player to bag six year-end awards. Rabada made a mature and somewhat philosophical statement to end what was seemingly a painful interview for him.
"As much as you want to be at the top. you'll never find it smooth sailing. It's extremely tough. When you are playing out there you experience all of this. And all these feelings, highs and lows, and that's what comes with it," Rabada signed off.