'We have an advantage in India' - Kagiso Rabada on South Africa's chances in upcoming ODI World Cup 2023

South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada is enjoying his time off cricket as he’s resting ahead of the hectic cricket schedule where South Africa will take on Australia at home for a white-ball series from August 30. The Proteas will then head to India to take part in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 scheduled to begin in India from October 5.

Ahead of the marquee tournament, Rabada feels that South Africa have an advantage heading into the World Cup as several Proteas players have played in the IPL. David Miller, Rabada, Quinto de Kock, Anrich Nortje, Tristan Stubbs etc were all seen playing in IPL 2023.

“Heading into the World Cup in India, I do think that we have an advantage because we have played in the IPL for so many years. We have played at most of the grounds, if not all, so we understand those conditions,” Rabada was quoted as saying by IOL.

Kagiso Rabada has played 69 IPL matches and has picked 106 wickets at an average of 20.74 and an economy of 8.42. The speedster became the fastest bowler to reach 100 wickets in the T20 extravaganza achieving the milestone in just 64 matches. In IPL 2023 he managed to pick seven wickets in six matches for Punjab Kings as his side failed to qualify for the playoffs. 

The 28-year-old didn’t have a great outing in the 2019 ODI World Cup as he picked 11 wickets in nine matches at an average of 36.09 and saw his team crash out of the World Cup in the league stage itself.

South Africa to change their fortunes in ODI World Cup 2023?

Notably, South Africa hasn’t had a great history in ODI World Cups as they’ve never managed to qualify for the final since their first appearance in 1992. The Proteas lost four consecutive knockout games in the tournament before finally winning against Sri Lanka in the 2015 edition. However, they went on to lose against New Zealand in the semi-final and crashed out of the event.

The Temba Bavuma-led side will be desperate for a change of fortunes in the upcoming edition as they look to create history on Indian soil.