South Africa’s journey from Mohali in 2015 to their recent success in Chattogram has been long and complex. Rabada, a constant through these years, shared insights into what changed for the team to find success again in subcontinental conditions. “The guys are more open to scoring runs,” he noted. “There are so many scoring options now, and they’re being executed well. And our bowling—Keshav [Maharaj] is phenomenal, and Wiaan [Mulder] has always shown promise.”

And while Rabada praised the team, he emphasized the importance of character, something coach Shukri Conrad values deeply. “It’s about having the freedom to play your game and perform,” Rabada said. For cricket fans and even those keenly observing from the sidelines—like slots games enthusiasts seeking excitement—the camaraderie and drive within the team are clear.

A Long Road to Success

South Africa may lost greats like AB de Villiers, Hashim Amla Dale, Steyn, Graeme Smith and more from 2012 to this year. Rabada has been a central figure throughout this saga, and even when asked what had changed to help South Africa succeed again in subcontinental conditions, he barely mentioned himself.

“The guys are being more open to scoring runs,” Rabada said. “There are so many scoring options now, and they’re being executed well. And then there’s our bowling—Keshav [Maharaj] is an incredible operator, and Wiaan [Mulder] has always had that potential.”

He credited experience, noting that the team had gone through a significant transition phase after the retirement of some all-time greats. “All these guys you see now, like Wiaan, Keshav, Lungi [Ngidi], and myself, we’ve been through a lot, and I think we’re hitting a sweet spot.”

Rabada’s modesty spoke volumes, but anyone who has watched him bowl knows his role is pivotal. And when you add in the contributions of emerging players like Tristan Stubbs, who notched a century in Chattogram, you see a team that’s rebuilding with purpose. Oh, and let’s not forget Shukri Conrad’s approach as a coach, which Rabada emphasized: “It’s all about character. The way Shuks picks the team—it’s about who’s ready to perform, who shows that grit.”

Cracking the Subcontinental Code

Sure, some might argue that Bangladesh is the least formidable of the Asian teams. South Africa’s clean record there—eight matches without a loss—would support that. But it doesn’t tell the full story. Bangladesh may have lost series to Sri Lanka and in India this year, but they also claimed victory in Pakistan. Winning in Asia requires a mental shift, and Conrad pointed out that teams are now coming better prepared, not relying on pure defense but seeking scoring opportunities.

“Teams don’t come here with a defensive mindset anymore,” Conrad said. “They’re thinking about how to score runs, whether that means employing a power game or adding new skills. It’s different from how it was.”

Du Plessis wasn’t wrong back in 2015. Those pitches turned sharply from day one. And as Rabada has navigated these changing landscapes, he’s seen his share of turmoil. The Wanderers pitch in 2018, with its vicious bounce, is still remembered for how it rattled batters like Murali Vijay and even led to discussions about halting the match.

The Transition Years

Since 2012 to present, South Africa retired big stalwarts like  Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers,Graeme Smith, Dale Steyn, and others. That’s an entire XI of legends. So, how did Rabada, debuting in the shadow of such greatness, maintain his focus and composure? He chuckled when asked. “You want me to answer that? There’s so much that’s happened on this journey. I sound like a stuck record, but playing for South Africa has been a dream—playing with my heroes and now alongside those who grew up with me.” It’s not all triumphs, though. For every milestone, there’s been frustration.

A Future Anchored in Lessons Learned

South Africa’s win in Mirpur and Chattogram marked a possible turning point. These were their only victories in Asia from 16 Tests since 2014, a stretch filled with defeats and hard lessons. But there’s hope that the tide has turned. Rabada, with all his accolades, is quick to remind everyone that success comes from unity. “We play for each other, and it’s all for the badge. You’re here for a limited time, so we respect that. We’re not holding hands everywhere we go, but we fight together.”

South Africa hadn’t lost an away series in 14 attempts before 2015, beating top teams in their own fields. That era ended abruptly, but perhaps with these wins, a new one begins. Rabada’s tenure has been marked by accolades and adversity alike, a reminder that playing at the top is a test of both skill and spirit.