Workload does not faze Rabada

I’VE LEARNED HOW TO MANAGE MYSELF At the age of 21 he has suddenly become a senior player.

Kagiso Rabada has a strong message for people worried about his workload: let me be the judge. The Proteas quick’s fitness has been a discussion point for the best part of the week.

The 21-year-old Rabada missed the second one-day international against New Zealand due to a knee problem and the confirmation of an Indian Premier League (IPL) contract has raised further fears that he’s playing too much cricket.

Yet he’s about the only one who doesn’t seem worried.

“I feel fine. I believe I’m the main person when it comes to judging how my body feels,” Rabada said yesterday before today’s vital fourth ODI against the Black Caps in Hamilton.

“To be honest, sometimes you do play with niggles. Sometimes you feel fresh and the niggle comes and disappears again. Other times the niggles stay around a little longer.”

Ironically, having bowled over 700 international overs in 2016 has actually made Rabada a good judge of his own fitness.

“The longer I’ve played, the more I’ve learned how to manage myself,” he said.

However, Rabada is well aware he can’t make decisions based on self-interest.

In a tight 2017 schedule, there’s naturally a bigger picture.

“It’s important to understand that sometimes you can’t play when you actually feel you’re up to it,” said Rabada.

“You have to put your ego aside and do what’s best for you and the team. I feel I’ve managed that balance. I listen to team management, then assess on my own and take the final course of action.”

Despite his age, Rabada has suddenly become one of the more senior men in a side that’s blooding quite a number of rookies.

“It’s an exciting time. There’s definitely a feeling that we’re approaching a new era. Of course there are still some experienced guys like Morne Morkel and Dale Steyn who we can use but the younger guys are gelling nicely,” he said.