Kagiso Rabada
Role: Bowler
DOB: 25 May 1995
IPL Team (2026): Punjab Kings
Base Price: Not applicable (retained)
IPL CAREER STATISTICS (Updated April 2026)
Batting & Fielding
| Year | Mat | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 50 | 4s | 6s | CT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | 96 | 27 | 16 | 105 | 25* | 9.54 | 90 | 116.66 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 5 | 29 |
| 2025 | 13 | 3 | 2 | 12 | 7* | 12.00 | 8 | 150.00 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| 2024 | 14 | 4 | 3 | 18 | 10* | 18.00 | 15 | 120.00 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 5 |
| 2023 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 5* | 5.00 | 4 | 125.00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| 2022 | 13 | 4 | 2 | 24 | 13* | 12.00 | 18 | 133.33 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 6 |
| 2021 | 15 | 5 | 3 | 14 | 7* | 7.00 | 12 | 116.66 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| 2020 | 17 | 6 | 3 | 24 | 15* | 8.00 | 25 | 96.00 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| 2019 | 12 | 2 | 1 | 8 | 8* | 8.00 | 6 | 133.33 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| 2017 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0* | – | 2 | 0.00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Bowling
| Year | Mat | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | Avg | Econ | SR | 4W | 5W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | 96 | 2166 | 3138 | 137 | 4/21 | 22.90 | 8.69 | 15.81 | 6 | 0 |
| 2025 | 13 | 300 | 445 | 18 | 4/30 | 24.72 | 8.90 | 16.66 | 1 | 0 |
| 2024 | 14 | 324 | 460 | 20 | 3/28 | 23.00 | 8.51 | 16.20 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 6 | 138 | 232 | 11 | 4/38 | 21.09 | 10.08 | 12.54 | 1 | 0 |
| 2022 | 13 | 306 | 433 | 23 | 4/33 | 18.82 | 8.49 | 13.30 | 2 | 0 |
| 2021 | 15 | 348 | 470 | 15 | 3/36 | 31.33 | 8.10 | 23.20 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | 17 | 402 | 558 | 30 | 4/24 | 18.60 | 8.34 | 13.40 | 1 | 0 |
| 2019 | 12 | 282 | 368 | 25 | 4/21 | 14.72 | 7.82 | 11.28 | 1 | 0 |
| 2017 | 6 | 66 | 172 | 6 | 2/28 | 28.66 | 8.32 | 11.00 | 0 | 0 |
The Story of Kagiso Rabada
From the dusty pitches of Johannesburg to the glittering arenas of the Indian Premier League, Kagiso Rabada’s journey has been one of relentless pace, raw aggression, and undeniable wicket-taking prowess. Born on May 25, 1995, Rabada emerged as a prodigious talent in South African cricket, quickly earning comparisons to legendary fast bowlers. His ability to consistently hit speeds north of 145 km/h, coupled with a deceptive bouncer and a pinpoint yorker, made him a nightmare for batsmen across formats. The IPL beckoned, and in 2017, the then-Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals) secured his services, marking his entry into the world’s premier T20 league.
Rabada’s initial IPL stint in 2017 was brief but showed glimpses of his potential. However, it was his return in 2019 that truly announced his arrival as a force to be reckoned with. He formed a deadly partnership with fellow Proteas speedster Anrich Nortje, terrorizing opposition batting lineups. His breakthrough season saw him claim 25 wickets, often delivering crucial spells in the death overs. The 2020 season, however, was his magnum opus. Rabada donned the Purple Cap, finishing as the leading wicket-taker with a staggering 30 scalps, spearheading Delhi Capitals’ charge to their maiden IPL final. His iconic Super Over against Andre Russell in 2019, where he defended 10 runs with surgical precision, remains etched in IPL folklore, showcasing his nerves of steel under immense pressure.
Rabada’s playing style is a masterclass in aggressive fast bowling. He doesn’t just bowl; he attacks. His high-arm action generates steep bounce, while his ability to swing the ball both ways at pace keeps batsmen guessing. What truly sets him apart is his mental fortitude – his unwavering belief in his ability to pick up wickets, even when going for runs. He thrives on confrontation, often engaging in fiery exchanges that only seem to fuel his performance. Whether it’s a toe-crushing yorker to a set batsman or a well-directed bouncer to a new one, Rabada consistently finds ways to break partnerships and turn the tide of a game.
IPL Journey: Team by Team
Kagiso Rabada’s IPL career has seen him feature for two franchises, leaving an indelible mark on both:
- Delhi Daredevils/Capitals (2017, 2019-2021): Rabada first joined the Delhi Daredevils in the 2017 auction for his base price of INR 50 Lakh. After a short initial season, he was retained for 2018 but missed the tournament due to injury. He returned with a vengeance in 2019, becoming a cornerstone of the rebranded Delhi Capitals’ bowling attack. He was retained for both the 2020 and 2021 seasons, where he enjoyed immense success, culminating in his Purple Cap win in 2020. His partnership with Nortje became one of the most feared in the league, consistently delivering breakthroughs in the powerplay and death overs.
- Punjab Kings (2022-2026): Following his stellar performances, Rabada was one of the most sought-after pacers in the mega-auction ahead of IPL 2022. Punjab Kings secured his services for a hefty sum of INR 9.25 Crore, recognizing his ability to lead a bowling attack. He immediately justified the price tag, picking up 23 wickets in his debut season for PBKS. While the team’s overall performance has been inconsistent, Rabada has remained a reliable wicket-taker, often carrying the burden of the bowling attack. He has been retained by the franchise through the 2026 season, a testament to his continued value and impact as a premier fast bowler in the league.
What Makes Them Special: Betting Perspective
For bettors, Kagiso Rabada is a high-impact player whose performance can significantly swing match outcomes. His primary strength lies in his exceptional wicket-taking ability. He doesn’t just contain; he hunts wickets, making him a prime candidate for “Top Bowler” or “Most Wickets in Match” bets. He thrives in conditions that offer pace and bounce, such as those found in Mumbai, Bengaluru (sometimes), or even Ahmedabad’s harder surfaces. On these tracks, his bouncers and hard lengths become incredibly potent.
Rabada’s consistency in picking up wickets, particularly in the death overs, is a key metric. Even if he goes for a few runs, he often compensates with crucial breakthroughs. Bettors should look for matchups against teams with top-heavy batting lineups that might be susceptible to genuine pace early on. Conversely, on very flat, small grounds where the ball comes onto the bat easily, his economy can sometimes inflate, making “Over/Under Runs Conceded” bets a bit riskier. However, even then, his knack for picking up wickets remains, so consider him for “Player to Take X Wickets” props. His aggressive mindset means he’s always in the game, and his ability to deliver under pressure in tight situations makes him a valuable asset for any betting strategy focused on individual player performance.
Key Records & Milestones
- Purple Cap Winner (2020): Claimed 30 wickets in the 2020 IPL season, the most by any bowler that year, leading Delhi Capitals to the final.
- Fastest to 50 IPL Wickets: Reached the milestone in just 27 matches, making him one of the quickest bowlers in IPL history to do so.
- Most Wickets in a Season by a Pacer (2020): His 30 wickets in 2020 stand as one of the highest tallies ever for a fast bowler in a single IPL season.
- Super Over Specialist: Famously defended 10 runs against Andre Russell in a Super Over during IPL 2019, showcasing his elite death bowling skills.
- Consistent Wicket-Taker: Has taken 20+ wickets in multiple IPL seasons (2019, 2020, 2022, 2024), demonstrating his sustained impact.
IPL Season Highlights
Kagiso Rabada has delivered numerous memorable performances throughout his IPL career, but a few seasons stand out:
- 2020 (Delhi Capitals): This was Rabada’s career-defining IPL season. He was the undisputed leader of the DC bowling attack, finishing with the Purple Cap for his 30 wickets at an average of 18.26 and an economy of 8.34. His consistent breakthroughs, often in crucial moments, were instrumental in DC reaching their first-ever IPL final. A standout performance included his 4/24 against Royal Challengers Bangalore, dismantling their middle order.
- 2019 (Delhi Capitals): Rabada truly announced himself in this season, picking up 25 wickets from just 12 matches at an astonishing average of 14.72 and an economy of 7.82. His spell of 4/21 against Royal Challengers Bangalore was a masterclass, but it was his Super Over heroics against KKR, where he dismissed Andre Russell with a pinpoint yorker, that became the stuff of legend.
- 2022 (Punjab Kings): In his debut season for Punjab Kings, Rabada continued his wicket-taking form, bagging 23 wickets from 13 matches at an average of 18.82. He often provided the much-needed impetus with the ball for PBKS, including a crucial 4/33 against Gujarat Titans, showcasing his ability to adapt and perform for a new franchise.