Source=ICC
Nine years ago, Faf du Plessis stood in a press conference in Mohali, predicting a tough game: “We are expecting the worst. We are expecting the ball to spin on day one.” His words captured a significant moment for South Africa, marking both the end of a golden era and the start of tougher times. This series would also see the debut of Kagiso Rabada, a player who has since become one of cricket’s leading bowlers.
Fast forward to South Africa’s recent 2-0 victory over Bangladesh in Chattogram, and Rabada’s performance stands out. His 14 wickets at an average of 9.00 were crucial in securing this win. This journey from Mohali in 2015 to Chattogram in 2024 has been a long one, with many challenges along the way. Notably, South Africa hadn’t won a Test in Asia for over a decade until this recent success.
Reflecting on the series, Rabada highlighted his teammates’ willingness to take on scoring opportunities and praised Keshav Maharaj’s consistency, Wiaan Mulder’s potential, and the emergence of new players like Tristan Stubbs. He also credited coach Shukri Conrad’s focus on character, which has fostered a sense of unity and purpose within the team.
Although some might argue that Bangladesh is easier to beat in Asia, this victory required a fresh approach. Coach Conrad pointed out that teams now arrive in Asia better prepared, no longer fearing the spinning tracks but instead focusing on ways to score and adapt.
The 2015 series in India, where South Africa struggled on heavily spinning pitches, was a wake-up call. Virat Kohli, in his first home series as captain, led India to an emphatic win, aided by conditions that heavily favored spin. In response, South Africa attempted to create fast, bouncy pitches at home, culminating in the dramatic Wanderers Test of 2018, where vicious bounce nearly halted play.
Since then, South Africa has weathered the retirement of many iconic players like Graeme Smith, Hashim Amla, and AB de Villiers. Rabada, reflecting on this period, acknowledged how much has changed, noting that while playing for South Africa is a dream come true, it comes with its share of emotional highs and lows.
Through it all, South Africa’s players have bonded over a shared purpose: representing the badge. As Rabada put it, “We win as a team, we lose as a team.” The camaraderie is real, and while they may not always agree, they share a commitment to their team’s vision and values.
Before 2015, South Africa was nearly unbeatable in away series. However, since then, they have struggled, especially in Asia. Their recent victories in Mirpur and Chattogram may signal a turning point, but the journey here has been long and filled with adversity. Rabada has been a central figure throughout, balancing both praise and criticism with resilience.
