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Kagiso Rabada is confident in his ability to lead a reinvigorated South African attack towards their first ICC Cricket World Cup victory. While the Proteas couldn't progress past the group stage four years ago, they have remained unbeaten in ODIs this year. Despite injuries to fellow fast bowlers Anrich Nortje and Sisanda Magala affecting the team's prospects, Kagiso Rabada remains optimistic.
"One thing we have never lacked as South Africans is belief, so going into the tournament we do believe we can win it" said Rabada before their campaign begins against Sri Lanka in Delhi on October 7.
"We've got the players to do so, so hopefully we can make our first final and win this competition.
"It's going to be hard but it's going to be really enjoyable.
"It's exciting to have the best players in the world playing against each other competing for one prize, and we are up for the challenge
While the team faced struggles in 2019, they have since risen to fourth in the MRF Tyres Men's ODI Team Rankings and gained confidence after a 3-2 series victory over Australia.
"Individuals don't win world cups:" Kagiso Rabada
Rabada, at 28, is one of the eight survivors from the squad that competed in England four years ago and embraces his role as one of the team's senior figures, assisting captain Temba Bavuma in charting the path to success.
"The 2019 World Cup was my first, and I wasn't successful," Kagiso Rabada reflected.
"The lesson I took from that is that team cohesion is the most important factor, because individuals don't win World Cups, teams do.
"The older I have become and the more caps I have, the more I realise that I am a leader in that environment.
"Through knowing my own strengths and reinforcing them, knowing what makes me tick and through lending an ear to other players, I want to help set how we play as a collective."
Kagiso Rabada also brings valuable knowledge of subcontinent conditions, honed through his performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) over several seasons.
Experience in playing in India can come handy for Rabada and company
The national side has played 11 white-ball matches in India since last year, and Rabada believes this collective experience could give them an edge.
"It does help when you understand the conditions in the various grounds, and having played in India for all these years, it gives you a familiarity on how to go about your tactics," he explained.
The majority of our team has played in India, but for those who haven't played as much, it is important to share experiences.
"In India you have drier conditions and they are batter-friendly wickets, so it's about finding ways to be successful.
"Managing the noise and distractions is really important and I think it's just about focus and not letting the crowd get to you.
"But at the same time, it is exciting to be playing in packed stadiums with tens of thousands of screaming fans - it's an honour."
