Kagiso Rabada for South Africa- (Source: ProteasMen/X.com)
In a significant development, South Africa are sweating hard over Kagiso Rabada’s fitness as the Proteas fear missing out on the right-arm seamer’s services in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Notably, the prestigious Twenty20 event will be held from February 7, and the Rainbow Nation is all set to release its 15-member squad on January 2.
At present, Kagiso Rabada, who is one of South Africa’s premier bowlers, is racing against time to prove his fitness to the selectors for the World Cup as reported by ESPNCricinfo.
The 30-year-old is out of action with a rib injury and recently missed SA20’s opening game for MI Cape Town against Durban’s Super Giants. In the latest events, Rabada will also miss the second clash, which has further put the selectors in doubt, as he is not match-ready and the deadline to announce the squad is just a few days away.
Kagiso Rabada out of action for a long time
Rabada’s last act on the cricket field was against Pakistan in October, where he played two Tests and picked up four wickets. However, since then, he missed the entire India tour because of his rib stress injury.
In the past six months, Rabada has played just nine matches for South Africa, which is why the selectors are sweating hard as Kagiso’s absence will dent the Proteas' chances to claim their maiden T20 World Cup title.
South Africa is struggling with injury concerns
Notably, Kagiso Rabada is not the only Proteas seamer struggling with fitness. Gerald Coetzee too has had a frustrating year as he spent most of the 2025 on bench with an injury. He is at present out of the scheme of things because of his frequent injuries.
Meanwhile, Kwena Maphaka, who also missed the Pakistan tour with a hamstring injury, has recovered from his hamstring injury and is taking part in SA20. Talking about South Africa’s premier T20 event, Rabada is likely to be back in action for MI Cape Town’s third match.
