Rabada returned figures of 3\/29 in his four overs at the Narendra Modi Stadium, playing a crucial role in restricting KKR.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite conceding 12 runs in his opening over, the South African struck early by removing Angkrish Raghuvanshi and followed it up with the key wicket of Tim Seifert in the powerplay. He then delivered a tight third over, conceding just one run, before returning later to dismiss Rinku Singh, rounding off a superb spell.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Reflecting on his approach across phases, Rabada explained how reading conditions remains central to his success. \u201cIt depends. It's just about summarising how we feel the wicket is going to play in India\u2026 Sometimes a wicket is not really going to play the way that you expect it to play,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He noted that while the surface looked like a typical red-soil pitch, it behaved differently due to moisture and uneven bounce. \u201cWith the new ball, perhaps there was a bit more moisture\u2026 a little bit of uneven bounce. So the batsmen couldn't really throw their hands at everything.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Rabada also highlighted how bounce has consistently worked in his favour. \u201cI feel like extra bounce has probably been my ally throughout my entire career\u2026 on pitches that perhaps have a bit more bounce, you are looking at that favouring my strength a bit more.\u201d Comparing styles, he added that bowlers like Mohammed Siraj thrive differently depending on conditions.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Titans\u2019 strategy to attack early paid dividends, with Rabada and Siraj bowling through the powerplay. \u201cOn any given day, you could have them 5 down in that powerplay. But we'll take 3 down any day,\u201d he remarked.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
On the broader team approach, Rabada dismissed any overemphasis on net run rate. \u201cThe most important thing is to win\u2026 The net run rate is something that you want to be good, but I don't think it's something that you prioritize.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He stressed trusting batters to play their natural game: \u201cThose same guys are not coming to me telling me how to bowl. So we're not going to tell them how to bat.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Addressing the decision to bowl first, Rabada acknowledged that chasing often holds an advantage in Indian conditions. \u201cIt always feels as if the bowling team is under pressure defending\u2026 but whether you bat or bowl first, you have to find a way to win.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He stressed trusting batters to play their natural game: \u201cThose same guys are not coming to me telling me how to bowl. So we're not going to tell them how to bat.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The performance also marked a milestone for Rabada, taking him to 126 IPL wickets from 89 matches at an average of 23.19, including 15 wickets against KKR. Overall, he now has 306 wickets in T20 cricket, further cementing his status as one of the format\u2019s premier fast bowlers.<\/p>\r\n\r\n