Rabada On Being the Only Black Player in SA Squad: South Africa came to the T20 World Cup with only one black player in the squad, Kagiso Rabada. The Proteas, who had an undefeated run in the tournament, failed to capitalize on that momentum as they lost to India in the final. They couldn’t erase their name ‘bottlers’ this time as well.
Coming into Kagiso Rabada, the Proteas player was the only one in their squad. And it was against the rule that South Africa should have at least 6 players of color on the field, including two black players.
Kagiso Rabada On Being the Only Black Player in SA Squad
Criticism had erupted across the country over this, and as it’s been more than a month since the ultimate tournament of the shortest format in cricket lowered the curtain, Rabada opened up about being the only black player in the squad.
The Proteas bowling sensation said that he doesn’t think about being the only black player in the squad. If he does, it would put more pressure on him. He was talking to ESPNCricinfo.
“I don’t want to put more pressure on me. It would have been heavy if I had thought about being the only black cricketer. That would have been like a torture. It could impact your focus.”
Though the rule exists, Rabad said that just being a black player wouldn’t offer you a seat in the XI unless you performed.
“I am a black player, but my place is not confirmed. If I don’t perform, I will be dropped from the team. I have to believe in my abilities as a bowler.”
Rabada doesn’t give importance to what comes in the media. The 29-year-old said that winning the World Cup was his ultimate goal.
“I don’t give importance to what the media says. For me, winning the World Cup was the only goal. I can’t say about other players. If you start thinking about the stuff being said by the press, it could mess up the players’ thought process.”
Interestingly, Rabada’s interview came out when the sports world was going through a racism controversy. Argentina players were seen chanting a racist song that degrades African Americans as well as transgender people. Enzo Fernandez, who was in the front recording the selfie video later on, apologized for the embarrassing act. But his Chelsea teammates, including Wesley Fofana, had slammed the player for the action.
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