Kagiso Rabada – the new Rado Global Brand Ambassador

CRICKET STAR KAGISO RABADA BECOMES A RADO GLOBAL BRAND AMBASSADOR

Rado has named Kagiso Rabada, one of the world’s most successful fast bowlers who is helping nurture the next generation of cricketing talent, as a global brand ambassador.

The elite South African player is known for his pace, discipline and consistency, mirroring the Swiss watchmaker’s reputation for precision, innovation and endurance. As a global ambassador, he will feature in international campaigns and brand initiatives, connecting Rado with cricket fans worldwide over the next three years. He said: “It gives me great pleasure, humility and pride to be announcing my partnership with Rado. Timing, accuracy and performance are critical on the pitch and in watchmaking, so it’s a perfect fit, and I’m truly excited for the road ahead.”

Astonishing talent

A right arm fast bowler, Kagiso consistently bowls between 140kph and 150kph (87mph and 93mph), accelerated by a ‘snapping’ hip rotation that’s regularly likened to that of a javelin thrower. A reputation for aggressive play reflects an unusually late release – making it difficult for batsmen to predict how the ball will travel – and his ability to create steep, unpredictable bounces.

Since making his international debut in 2014 and his Test debut in 2015, he has amassed a slew of awards and topped bowler rankings. Milestones include setting the all-time world record for reaching 300 Test wickets, meaning he achieved this with the fewest deliveries – a feat which, alone, puts him in the very top echelons of the sport. To date, he has taken 340 Test wickets.

Kagiso has played in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since 2017, winning the 2020 Purple Cap as the league’s leading wicket taker and setting a record during his time with the Delhi Capitals by taking at least one wicket in 25 consecutive matches. In 2023, after moving to the Punjab Kings, he became the fastest player in IPL history to reach 100 wickets. He is now signed to the Gujarat Titans.

More recently, he helped the South African national team – known as the ‘Proteas’ – win the 2025 International Cricket Council World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia. Taking nine wickets himself, he broke the record for the most wickets taken by a bowler in a WTC final.

Rado x Cricket: a material match

Kagiso’s appointment marks the latest chapter in an ongoing relationship between Rado and cricket. Together, they form a natural harmony: a material match – two worlds where revered traditions sit alongside cutting-edge innovation, both driven by performance, timing and resilience, and united by an exacting approach to materials.

In cricket, bats made of willow and leather-covered balls lie at the heart of its traditions, modern protective equipment reveals the game’s ferocity, while playing tactics, timekeeping and endurance are a critical part of success. Similarly, Rado’s watchmaking prowess is centred around its approach to materials – for instance, its expertise in high-tech ceramic – as it produces timepieces of remarkable precision, reliability and durability.

Creating a legacy

Rado’s new relationship with Kagiso sees him join Australian all-rounder Cameron Green, a Rado Global Ambassador since 2024. The brand has also been a proud partner of the European Cricket Council since 2025. It plays a vital role in developing the sport across Europe, nurturing new talent, and inspiring the next generation of players and fans.

Kagiso is similarly committed to identifying and mentoring promising young cricketers, having founded the KG Rabada Fast Bowling Academy in 2023. It offers them specialized coaching, training and support to refine their technical and tactical game, shape their physical prowess and hone the mental discipline required to perform at a top competitive level.

Adrian Bosshard, Rado’s CEO, said: “Cricket is a sport of rhythm, poise and extraordinary precision. At Rado, we capture that very spirit in our timepieces – through material innovation, flawless design and enduring elegance. Kagiso Rabada is an icon on the pitch and an inspiring example to many athletes and fans. We’re extremely proud to count him as a global brand ambassador.”