Kagiso Rabada arrived in IPL 2026 with questions around his form. He had managed only two wickets in four matches for the Gujarat Titans in 2025 and spent time away from the game. A year later, he became
the spearhead of the Titans' attack. The South African quick has combined raw pace with smarter methods, taking 21 wickets in 12 matches and sharing the lead in the Purple Cap race. More importantly, Rabada has gone back to basics. He has trusted Test-match lengths, used bounce as a weapon and adapted quickly to each pitch. That reset has made him one of the most dangerous bowlers of the season.
Rabada explained that his revival came from clarity and discipline, as he explained, “Season in, season out, all you try to do is do the best you can. I have been backed and it has been clear what my role has been: leave everything out for the team. Rhythm is everything.”
On the change in approach, he said, “100 per cent. They showed how to bowl on it and we tried to follow suit. Wicket got a little more sticky and patience and simplicity worked.”
𝗥𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀. 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀. 𝗥𝗮𝗯𝗮𝗱𝗮 🫡 A spell of pure pace and precision 🏅 Relive ▶️ https://t.co/OAUx8izEPm#TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #GTvSRH | @gujarat_titans | @KagisoRabada25 pic.twitter.com/ZTt81weHSi
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 12, 2026
Rabada continued his fine form against Sunrisers Hyderabad. He once again produced a match-winning performance, claiming 3 wickets for just 28 runs in four overs. The SRH side were bowled out for 86, allowing Gujarat Titans to win by 82 runs and take top spot in the IPL 2026 standings.
Test-Match Lengths Brought Rabada Back
The most significant adaptation of Rabada has been the way he has bowled like a red ball paceman in a T20 competition. Rather than going after Yorkers and slow balls immediately, he has targeted good lengths and off stump deliveries. His strategy has led to 16 powerplay dismissals, tying for the record of the best in the history of the IPL.
His approach is what has made him ruthless. Rabada removed the wickets of Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and Smaran Ravichandran in the powerplay against SRH. During the earlier parts of the season, he decimated the ranks of Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings with similar attacks.
Perfect start for @gujarat_titans 🔥 🎥 Kagiso Rabada roaring with 2️⃣ early wickets ☝️ Updates ▶️ https://t.co/FACeUzse3B#TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #GTvKKR pic.twitter.com/Sk4217EZfy
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 17, 2026
Bowling Partnerships and Pitch Adaptation
The return of Rabada is also partly due to how successfully he has performed alongside the other fast bowlers from Gujarat. Rabada has done extensive research on various playing conditions. He bowls bouncers when there is extra bounce on the pitch, while in cases of slow pitches, he relies more on his cutter deliveries and length bowling.
“Extra bounce has always played to my strengths throughout my entire career,” he mentioned after his performance against Kolkata Knight Riders.
It has definitely helped him. Rabada is able to bowl at speeds over 145 kph and even up to 152.4 kph against Mumbai Indians.
