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Proteas: 'Just okay' Rabada takes in CWC lessons

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Kagiso Rabada (Getty)
Kagiso Rabada (Getty)

London - Kagiso Rabada says his performances have been "just okay" at the Cricket World Cup. 

It is hard to argue with him. 

Rabada, considered South Africa's major weapons with the ball heading into the tournament, is averaging a staggering 50.83 having picked up just 6 wickets all competition. 

There is no getting away from the fact that he has underperformed, and that the Proteas would have expected far more from their chief strike bowler. 

With one win from seven fixtures, the Proteas are out of the World Cup and their wait for a first-ever trophy will last at least another four years. 

Skipper Faf du Plessis acknowledged after Sunday's loss to Pakistan that Rabada was over-bowled in the build-up to the World Cup, adding that the Proteas had tried to stop him from going to the IPL. 

Rabada confirmed as much himself, also after Sunday's match at Lord's, but would not delve into the specifics. 

"The plan was to leave early, but that didn't work out. Don't ask me about any of that," he said. 

Rabada acknowledged that the mood in the dressing room was one of extreme disappointment, but he believes he will take some serious lessons forward with him. 

"It's not a great feeling. We're very disappointed," he said.

"We tried so hard at practices and we spoke about what we needed to do, but unfortunately we just couldn't bring it onto the field of play and that's what you have to do.

"It's disappointing, but having said that I think there have been many lessons.

"We still had some fun experiencing England and playing in a tournament like this, and we'll definitely be back firing."

When Rabada did eventually leave the IPL a couple of weeks early, he was sitting as the tournament's leading wicket-taker.

"I think I just got a lot more results in the IPL. In this tournament, I think I've just done okay," he said.

"I would have liked to have done better. These are the tournaments that you really wants to stand up in.

"There have been a lot of times where we've been really unlucky, but there have also been times where we have let ourselves down.

"It's not easy. As much as you want to be at the top, you will never find it smooth sailing. It's extremely tough and when you're playing out there you experience all of the highs and the lows. That's a part of the game."

Still just 24 and in his first World Cup, Rabada knows he will have a shot at World Cup redemption in the years to come.

"I wouldn't say it's the lowest point in my career," he said.

"This is what comes with the game. We don't go to a game looking to lose. We prepare, we do our analysis, we come in with a good mindset ... but execution has been a question mark for us and especially for myself at times."

"Everyone has passion, but sometimes it has to do with confidence. Sometimes the players who have confidence at the time will be the ones who lead.

"I can have all the hunger and passion I've got, but it doesn't help if I get to the game and my skills are not up to scratch and my confidence is low."

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