Morris expects Rabada to be a hit in Delhi

Proteas bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Chris Morris celebrate during a match. Photo: Christiaan Kotze/BackpagePix

Proteas bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Chris Morris celebrate during a match. Photo: Christiaan Kotze/BackpagePix

Published Feb 25, 2017

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JOHANNESBURG – Proteas all-rounder Chris Morris is confident that Delhi Daredevil’s newest recruit Kagiso Rabada will be a success in the Indian Premier League.

Rabada was picked up for R9,8 million by the Delhi Daredevils at the Indian Premier League auction on Monday, making him one of the most expensive buys for the upcoming T20 tournament.

The 21-year-old, who is currently South Africa’s premier fast bowler, was the subject of a fierce bidding battle between the Daredevils and the Kings XI Punjab. It will be Rabada’s debut in the IPL.

“I think he (Rabada) will be fine,” Morris told the Saturday Star, speaking from New Zealand where he is currently representing the Proteas.

“He is an easy-going character and gets along with everyone in the team. I don’t think he will have trouble adapting to his surroundings at Delhi.

“Thankfully there are a lot of South Africans so that will no doubt make the transition easier.”

Aside from adding blistering pace to the Delhi attack, Morris said he was thrilled to have another South African joining him at Delhi. Rabada joins fellow South Africans JP Duminy, Morris, and Quinton de Kock in the Daredevils squad.

“Sometimes the tournament can get a bit lonely if there are no South Africans, I was fortunate last year to have Quinton, JP and Imran (Tahir), so it’s great that we have another South African in KG,” said Morris.

“We have a nice pod of South Africans who will be joining together, luckily KG is not the worst person in the world to have around,” Morris joked.

The Daredevils were one of the biggest spenders at this year’s IPL auction, splashing on players such as Rabada, Sri Lanka’s Angelo Matthews, and England’s Corey Anderson.

Morris believes that his team is now in a very good position to challenge for their first IPL title. “The signings that Delhi have made are solid. We have found some all-rounders, some good quicks, I’m excited about what this year will bring for us.

“It’s going to be a tough tournament, there are some players who have been signed for big money and there will be a lot of pressure for them to perform. It’s going to be quite competitive.”

Morris said he was relishing the chance to lead the bowling attack with Rabada at the Daredevils. “We have done it a few times for South Africa and it would be great if it happened at Delhi.”

Asked what it was like playing in the biggest T20 tournament in the world, Morris said: “I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Delhi last year and throughout the other seasons. It’s a fantastic tournament that features a lot of the best players in the world.

“I love connecting with all the players from around the world and some of the friends that I have made over the years.

“It is right up there as the best tournament that I have played in, although I haven’t played in many others.”

Morris has also revealed his excitement at the prospect of playing in a newly formed T20 tournament in South Africa. Cricket South Africa will soon announce the launch of a new T20 tournament in the country, similar to that of the IPL.

“The new league is very exciting for us South African cricketers. We have seen the example of how well it has worked in the Big Bash and IPL so for new owners to come in and buy a new franchise in South Africa is exciting for the players especially.

“First of all, we don’t know where we will be placed; you could be in any of the cities around the country. Anything new in the cricket format for South Africa is always going to be welcomed; I think it’s going to be a big attraction for the crowds.

“It will be unbelievable for the domestic players; it gives them the opportunity to shine on the world stage and to show their skills in front of a global audience and against some of the best cricketers in the world.”

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The Saturday Star

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