Kagiso Rabada is on the cusp of a significant milestone in Test cricket as he approaches 300 wickets. Currently playing against the West Indies, Rabada is just five wickets shy of this landmark, which would make him the second-fastest bowler in the 21st century to reach this figure, following the legendary Dale Steyn. With an impressive bowling average of 22.07 over his career thus far, Rabada has established himself as one of the most effective fast bowlers in modern cricket.
In his 60-Test career, Rabada has taken 293 wickets, showcasing his capability as a premier wicket-taker for South Africa. His recent performance in the drawn Test in Port of Spain saw fellow spinner Keshav Maharaj take the limelight, leaving Rabada with a lesser role. However, with the second Test approaching, he has an opportunity to make an impact and etch his name further into the record books.
Rabada's statistics speak volumes about his efficiency as a bowler. He boasts the best strike rate (39.30) among bowlers who have taken at least 150 Test wickets, and his ability to maintain an average below 24 for over 40 consecutive Tests is a testament to his consistent performance. Although a majority of his success has come on home soil, he has also been effective in challenging conditions in Australia, New Zealand, and England.
A notable area of improvement for Rabada lies in his performance in Asian conditions, where he has struggled relative to his overall capabilities. Accumulating only 22 wickets in 10 Tests at an average of 35.63 presents a point of concern in an otherwise stellar career.
As Rabada approaches a critical juncture in his career, with seven Tests remaining before he turns 30 in May 2025, he has a chance to surpass other greats in terms of wicket counts, possibly reaching the 400-wicket mark if he remains a feature in South Africa's busy Test schedule leading up to 2027. With a current tally of 293 wickets and the potential to excel in both Test and ODI formats, Rabada's trajectory indicates he may soon break into the ranks of the all-time great fast bowlers.
In addition to his Test success, Rabada has also been a formidable presence in One-Day Internationals (ODIs), with 157 wickets to his name, showcasing his versatility as a bowler across formats. As he navigates the second half of his career, Rabada remains committed to international cricket, poised to lead the South African bowling attack for years to come. With continued focus and performance, he has a realistic shot at joining the elite ranks of cricket's highest wicket-takers.