Former South African pacer Makhaya Ntini raised concerns about Kagiso Rabada‘s chances of reaching the 400-test wicket mark, despite the bowler’s outstanding performance in the ongoing Centurion Test against India. Rabada, showcasing his prowess, picked 5/44 in 20 overs, playing a pivotal role in restricting the visitors to 245/10. This performance also marked Rabada’s 14th five-wicket haul in Tests, a testament to his exceptional skill.
Kagiso Rabada joins the elite 500 international wickets club
With this feat, Rabada has now joined the esteemed group of bowlers with 500 or more international wickets. He becomes the seventh South African bowler to achieve this milestone. The other Proteas bowlers on this distinguished list include Shaun Pollock (823), Dale Steyn (697), Makhaya Ntini (661), Allan Donald (602), Jacques Kallis (572) and Morne Morkel (535). Among these names, Ntini, one of the seven, has also commended Rabada as one of the greats in Proteas cricket.
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Makhaya Ntini express doubts over Rabada’s 400-Test wicket mark
While praising the South African speedster, Ntini also expressed skepticism about Rabada surpassing the 400-test wicket mark. He attributed this uncertainty to the limited number of Test matches South Africa plays in a year. Rabada, currently playing his 61st Test, has 285 wickets at an impressive average of 22.10 in the format.
“He is already up there (among greats). When you talk about those guys, when you talk about those bowlers, they have passed the 400-mark and KG (Rabada) is chasing the 300-mark. But we have got a massive problem. You are playing two Test matches a year and what is that? Do you think this guy (Rabada) can hold up till he gets to that milestone,” Ntini was quoted as saying by PTI.