Kagiso Rabada feels change in coaching personnel was unnecessary

Shortly after South Africa’s disastrous tour to England, Cricket South Africa (CSA) demoted South African coach Russell Domingo to deal with the ‘A’ side and roped in England bowling coach Ottis Gibson this week to replace him. However, South African pace spearhead, Kagiso Rabada, begged to differ from the move made by CSA and claimed that change wasn’t quite necessary.

The Proteas had been in pursuit of Gibson following South Africa’s disastrous tour to England. South Africa lost the One Day International and T20I series by 2-1. In between, they made an early exit out of the ICC Champions Trophy in the league stages following defeats against Pakistan and India.

The team also lost the 4-Test match series by a huge margin of 3-1. That said, the team was devoid of the services of their ace batsman AB de Villiers and strike bowler Dale Steyn. CSA had been interested in roping in Gibson post-Manchester Test match.

“The right time? I’m not sure if it was needed. Because I think we were doing well anyway. We haven’t done well in these last two months, but it happens in cricket. I don’t think we were in a slump. We’ve had a great season. Right now, it’s just a new beginning,” claimed Kagiso Rabada according to independent media.

Lorgat thanked Domingo for his services

“I actually haven’t seen him (Gibson) play and haven’t worked with him either. I hear he’s nice to work with, and he was a good bowler,” added Rabada. “I thank Russell Domingo, he had a good run. By far, the majority of our results were satisfactory. Unfortunately, our results against England were not what we wanted. Also at the Champions Trophy, it was not the result we had expected,” announced CSA CEO Haroon Lorgat.

“I am delighted to embark on this new chapter in my coaching career and I would like to thank Cricket South Africa for giving me this opportunity and the England and Wales Cricket Board for their understanding of my position. I have spent a number of happy times in South Africa as a player and I am now looking forward to returning as a coach,” said Ottis Gibson, confirming his new role with South Africa.