South Africa’s pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada is widely regarded as one of the finest fast bowlers of the modern era. Since making his international debut in 2014, Rabada has troubled the best in the business with his raw pace, accuracy, and wicket-taking ability. With more than 500 international wickets across formats, he has firmly established himself as a modern-day great.
Kagiso Rabada picks 5 toughest batters in international cricket
Despite his immense success, Rabada has also admitted that there were batters who tested his skill and patience. Speaking on the Beard Before Wicket Podcast, the 29-year-old fast bowler revealed the five toughest opponents he has bowled to in international cricket. His list features some of the biggest names in the game who have dominated world cricket over the past decade.
Virat Kohli – the ultimate competitor
The first name that came to Rabada’s mind was Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli. Describing him as ‘stingy with his wicket,’ Rabada said Kohli’s determination and ability to grind bowlers down made him one of the hardest to dismiss.
“I feel like Kohli was incredibly hard to get out. He was extremely stingy with his wicket, man. And he would just bat and bat and when you get him out, you know you’ve earned it. You know you’ve been in a battle,” Rabada explained.
David Warner – unpredictable and unorthodox
The South African quick also highlighted Australian opener David Warner as one of the toughest batters to face. What stood out for Rabada was Warner’s unorthodox ability to cut deliveries that most other players couldn’t.
“I actually found David Warner quite tough to bowl to. I think he’s probably the hardest. He was just so unorthodox… whenever I drop my length slightly short, he just latch onto it and cut. He was the only guy who could do that against me,” Rabada revealed, acknowledging Warner’s unique style despite having success against him over the years.
Babar Azam – the rock of Pakistan
Another name on Rabada’s list was Pakistan’s batting mainstay Babar Azam. He admired Babar’s resilience, especially in home conditions, calling him a ‘rock’ in Pakistan’s lineup.
“Baba Azam was is is a bit of he’s a rock, you know, especially playing in in Pakistan. It’s like, man, how are you going to get this guy out?” Rabada said while praising the Pakistan star’s solid technique and calm temperament.
Joe Root, Steve Smith and Kane Williamson – masters of consistency
Among the Fab Four, Rabada also singled out England’s Joe Root, New Zealand’s Kane Williamson and Australia’s Steve Smith. Root’s ability to rotate strike and build long innings has often been a challenge for bowlers around the world, while Williamson’s composure and classical technique have made him one of the most respected players of the generation. Known for his unorthodox stance and movements at the crease, Smith has been a puzzle for bowlers across formats.
“Joe Root um was tough to bowl at. Kane Williamson, the usual. The usual. Steve Smith. These guys are special, man,” added Rabada.
Rabada’s reflections underline how even the best bowlers in the world value the challenge posed by world-class batters. His list of toughest opponents consists of legends who have not only dominated matches but also taken modern-day cricket to new heights with their consistency and brilliance.
