Faf doesn’t want Kagiso Rabada to apologise to Proteas

When Kagiso Rabada took his three wickets in England’s second innings, Dean Elgar jokingly put his hand over the strapping fast bowler’s mouth.

After all, the day before the 22-year-old had been suspended for Friday’s second Test in Nottingham after swearing at the home side’s Ben Stokes.

For Faf du Plessis, the Proteas captain, it’s not a laughing matter.

Also read: Kagiso Rabada’s foul language costs Proteas dearly

He doesn’t even want Rabada to apologise for his actions.

“I would never expect him to apologise to the team. For me that’s showing what you’re made of. He is showing that he wants to do desperately well for his country. It’s a big disappointment for us not having him,” said Du Plessis.

“It’s a shame. He is a real big part of this team. In big Test series like this you want to see your big Test players compete against each other.”

Rabada’s ban has divided opinion the past few days, with fans believing the quick undermined his team unnecessarily in such an important series.

Former players though – notably former Proteas captain Graeme Smith – have dismissed the saga as poor judgment on the part of the International Cricket Council.

Du Plessis’ biggest fear is that the sanction could prevent Rabada from expressing himself naturally in future.

“I would never say to Kagiso to change the way he is. It’s important that he plays the way that he plays the game,” he said.

“Every guy within cricket needs his natural instinct and personality to come out because that brings the best of you.”

(English commentators discuss how silly KG’s ban is. Credit: SA Cricket Magazine)

Part of the problem perhaps is that Rabada directed his anger at Stokes, a player known for his own habit of cheekily taunting opponents.

It created the impression that the Proteas are directing words at the all-rounder.

But Du Plessis insists Rabada’s outburst was nothing but “frustration”.

“I think it was a little bit of frustration from ‘KG’. He didn’t have the rhythm that he wanted to and it was just frustration coming through,” he said.

“When you play Test cricket you are fighting for your country and you are doing everything you can to win a game of cricket. Controlled emotions is really important. For me, it’s the most important thing as long as it doesn’t take you away from your skill.

“He is a very relaxed and quiet guy.”

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