No matter who sits out, Proteas will still find a way to win, says fast bowler Kagiso Rabada

Kagiso Rabada did not bowl a ball in anger at Eden Gardens. But there was arguably nobody happier the moment Aiden Markram claimed the catch that gave the Proteas’ their first Test victory in India in 15 years.

Rabada, seemingly forgetting about his rib injury that kept him on the sidelines, charged onto the field and was the first to embrace captain Temba Bavuma and the team.

“It's quite nerve wracking on the side and just itching to want to get out,” Rabada said. 

“But yeah, I mean, I don't know what to say. It's just, it's just like an emotional roller coaster. That was typical Test cricket. I mean, like, just the ebbs and flows of the game. 

“We found ourselves on the back foot and then somehow managed to finish on the front foot. I'm glad that we finished on the right side.”

Rabada is acknowledged as the sole genuine ‘superstar’ in this Proteas team, but the fast bowler believes the victory showed that World Test Champions do not rely on individuals to attain success. 

“Everyone chipped in. And really, that's the hallmark of what this team is made of,” he said. 

“No matter who sits out, you know, we can still find a way to win. Temba has been crucial for us, but he hasn't played every game. I didn't play this game. That doesn't matter. Whoever is going to get out on the field, we believe that they can do the job.”

Proteas coach Shukri Conrad attributes this to the team culture that exists in the dressing room. 

“I think the one thing that we've done is we've really tried to create an environment where – and South Africa is a diverse country with diverse cultures. And I think this change room has embraced all of it," Conrad said.

“We've allowed people, players, to be exactly who they are, how they want to do things. Yes, we operate with, obviously, a set of norms and ethics and values as to what's expected of an elite side and a high-performance side. 

“But I think it's like a bunch of mates that are playing together. They don't give up. They practice hard. They party hard. And more importantly, I think we've just allowed a culture to develop organically rather than stick a few points and this is how we want to do things and the players have been brilliant in that. 

“I don't think there's a recipe, really, or a magic wand. It's really just allowing things to unfold organically and really showing faith in them. Just allowing them, listen, this is how we want to do our things. This is how I'm going to back you to go and play.

“Yeah, and let's find a way. Let's never give up. All you can ever ask of a team is to fight for every run and stay in the battle.”