South Africa vs India 2018: Kagiso Rabada will be a bigger threat than Dale Steyn, insists Lalchand Rajput

What's the story?

Ahead of their upcoming Test series in South Africa, former team manager Lalchand Rajput has cautioned Indian batsmen to remain wary of Kagiso Rabada. The erstwhile opener believes that the 22-year old fast bowler poses a much dangerous threat than the experienced Dale Steyn.

"Rabada is a very matured bowler now. Even in India (during the 2015 series), he bowled really well on flat wickets. On helpful pitches, he will be dangerous. A lot of people are saying that Steyn will be dangerous, but he is making a comeback after a long injury lay off. He has to get his rhythm right. I feel Rabada will test the Indian batsmen along with (Vernon) Philander and (Morne) Morkel", Rajput told mid-day.

In case you didn't know...

Rajput played 2 Tests and 4 ODIs for India in a brief national career spanning from 1985 to 1987. After retirement, he has served as coach of India's U-19 side as well as manager of the senior team which won the 2007 World T20 in South Africa.

The heart of the matter

South Africa have announced their squad for the forthcoming first Test against India. Faf du Plessis returns to lead the team after missing the recently completed four-day match against Zimbabwe. Veteran pacer Steyn is also set for a comeback after spending more than a year on the sidelines due to a serious shoulder injury.

Having undergone a surgery and the accompanying extensive rehabilitation program, Steyn was touted to take the field in the pink-ball Test against Zimbabwe. However, a viral infection delayed his much awaited comeback into international cricket. In all likelihood, the 34-year old will spearhead South Africa's bowling attack in the series against India.

On the other hand, Rabada has gone from strength to strength during the course of the last year or so. When Steyn limped off the field during the 2016 Perth Test, the young speedster rose to the occasion and picked up five wickets in the second innings to set up South Africa's victory. A slew of consistent performances has vaulted him to the second spot in ICC rankings for bowlers.

What's next?

The first Test between South Africa and India will begin on January 5 at the Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town. It is pertinent to note that Steyn needs just five more wickets in order to surpass Shaun Pollock's tally of 421 wickets and become the all-time leading wicket-taker for South Africa in Tests.

Author's take

Even though Rabada is fitter and consequently quicker than the other South African pacers, Steyn's experience as well as penchant for bowling game-changing spells make him the biggest threat for India in the upcoming series. The visitors will have to be at their very best to tackle the Proteas' menacing pace attack.