Ice cool Rabada delivering for Delhi

Proteas superstar Kagiso Rabada has put his outstanding Indian Premier League form down to his ability to be able to handle the high-pressure moments the tournament regularly throws at its participants.

Rabada is the leading wicket-taker in IPL 2019, having claimed 19 wickets in nine matches for Delhi Capitals. On average, he is taking a wicket every 1.5 overs and as such, the young South African is proving himself a trump card for Capitals coach Ricky Ponting.

At different stages in his burgeoning career, the 23-year-old has been ranked by the ICC as the world's number one Test and ODI bowler, however his highest T20 International ranking is 18.

At the Capitals, he has enjoyed a breakout season, with two four-wicket hauls and a match-winning Super Over among the highlights.

"I've just been working on my skills in the nets, trying to improve in particular areas and also working on the things that I've worked on in the past," Rabada told cricket.com.au.

"I try to find a combination of sticking to what works for me, and then reading the game, learning about the game, and learning what can make me a better cricketer.

"It's a game of simplicity, really. I just practice my good lengths, good lines, and then look to adapt on the day to what's going to be needed, whether it be variations or whatever ball is required at any particular batsman."

It's that composed approach that has been integral to Rabada's success with Delhi, particularly in the decisive moments on which so many Twenty20 matches can swing.

The early-season Super Over that helped the Capitals triumph over Kolkata Knight Riders was a classic case in point, as Rabada delivered a series of near-perfect yorkers to outfox big-hitting West Indian Andre Russell.

"I thought, 'Big boundary, hmm, what do we bowl here?'" he said at the time. "We could bowl bouncers. We could bowl slower balls. But it's risky. It's gamble balls.

"I wasn't really feeling them on the day. On another day, I could have felt them. But today I felt the yorker."

And it is delivering in those kinds of situations that Rabada believes has been fundamental to his impact in this year's tournament.

"IPL is a high-pressure environment, where you'll think of something in the moment and really need to execute," he explained. 

"It's about dealing with that pressure.

"There are always moments in the game where there's pressure, and we play the game to win, so you have to be able to (thrive on the pressure)."

The right-arm quick's outstanding displays have helped Delhi climb to third in the ladder. Their next game is tonight at home to Kings XI Punjab.