Kagiso Rabada Faces Crucial Fitness Test Ahead of T20 World Cup Selection

Cape Town: South Africa pacer Kagiso Rabada is in a race against time to prove his fitness ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup, as the star fast bowler continues to nurse a rib injury. Rabada missed the opening match of defending champions MI Cape Town’s SA20 campaign against Durban Super Giants on Boxing Day and is expected to sit out the second fixture as well.

MI Cape Town captain Rashid Khan expressed cautious optimism, saying the team is “hopeful” that Rabada will be available for their third match on December 31. That lone game could prove crucial, giving Rabada just one final opportunity to convince South Africa’s selection panel, including convener Patrick Moroney and head coach Shukri Conrad that he is fit enough to be included in the 15-player squad for the T20 World Cup, set to be announced on January 2. 

If declared fit, Rabada is widely expected to spearhead South Africa’s attack, but any lingering concerns could revive memories of the 2019 ODI World Cup, when an injured Dale Steyn had to be replaced without featuring in a match.

While Rabada’s injury appears far less severe than Steyn’s career-ending shoulder issue, the fast bowler has yet to play competitive cricket since October, when he featured in South Africa’s Test victory over Pakistan in Rawalpindi. He was rested for the subsequent white-ball series and later ruled out of the India tour’s Tests and white-ball matches due to the rib problem. 

Despite this, Rabada was seen bowling comfortably during pre-match practice at Newlands and spent extended time with MI Cape Town bowling coach Mitchell McClenaghan. He also reported feeling “fine” when standing in for Rashid Khan at a captain’s press conference earlier this week.

South Africa’s fast-bowling stocks face further strain. Gerald Coetzee missed Durban Super Giants’ opener while recovering from a pec tear but is expected to return soon. Joburg Super Kings have yet to confirm an update on Nandre Burger, who sustained an injury during South Africa’s recent ODI series against India.

In brighter news, 19-year-old left-arm pacer Kwena Maphaka made his first appearance since October for Durban Super Giants, returning from a hamstring strain that had sidelined him during South Africa’s white-ball tours. His performance could bolster South Africa’s fast-bowling options as the T20 World Cup squad selection draws near.

As the SA20 season unfolds, Rabada’s recovery and form in Cape Town will be closely monitored, with fans and selectors alike eager for a fully fit pace spearhead heading into the global tournament.