'Virat Kohli a Phenomenal Player But Can't Take The Abuse' Says South African Pacer Kagiso Rabada Ahead of India vs South Africa Match in ICC Cricket World Cup 2019
However, Rabada praised Kohli profusely when asked about him missing out on the ICC's Player of the Year Award for 2018 to the Indian captain.
South Africa fast bowler Kagiso Rabada believes that Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli is a "phenomenal player" but rues the fact that Virat Kohli "can't take the abuse" and that the Indian captain "gets angry, when you give it back to him." The South African pacer made the comments in an interview to The Cricket Monthly even as the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 in underway in England and Wales. India will begin their World Cup campaign on June 5 and their first match in the tournament is against the South Africa team. Schedule of Team India at ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: List of Indian Team’s Matches, Time Table, Date, Venue and Squad Details.
The long interview featured questions from wide field of interests like Rabada's fitness outlook, his equation with the game, views on fast bowling as well as a bit about his growing up years, his stint in this year's Indian Premier League - IPL Season 12 and the unforgettable bouncer he bowled to Andre Russell in the T20 league. Rishabh Pant Cheers for Virat Kohli and Men Ahead of CWC 2019; Says, ‘Bring It Home Boys’.
However, what's dominating the headlines is Rabada's views on Virat Kohli's anger on the field. Asked about the brief episode that took place between the pacer and 'Run Machine' Kohli in the IPL while Bangalore Royal Challengers (RCB) match vs Delhi Capitals (DC), the pacer recalled how it was just a verbal "thing" but that it had got him spurred on as well. Rabada played for the Delhi franchise in 2019 IPL edition. ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: Must Get Virat Kohli Before He Gets You, Says Trent Boult.
Rabada praised Kohli profusely when asked about him missing out on the ICC's Player of the Year Award for 2018 and said, "that is a huge honour" and added that "Kohli undoubtedly deserves it." Calling Kohli "a pillar for Indian cricket over the past five years", Rabada emphasised that Kohli deserved the honour. However, when asked about Kohli's anger on the cricket ground, Rabada said that "When you give it back to Kohli, he gets angry. Maybe he does it because it gets him going, but that comes across as very immature for me".
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 02, 2019 02:39 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).