IND vs SA, 1st Test: Back at origin of his redemption arc, Bavuma keen to illustrate World Champion confidence
Just under two years ago, South Africa’s ODI World Cup campaign was put to an end in the semifinal by eventual champion Australia at the Eden Gardens.
That defeat also marked the end of a torrid tournament for Proteas captain Temba Bavuma, whose batting struggles — he scored just 145 runs from eight innings — prompted widespread, scathing criticism, with some even questioning his relevance in the team.
From that seemingly inescapable nadir, Bavuma has bounced back, rediscovering his batting touch while unlocking new dimensions of his leadership.
Earlier this year, Bavuma led the Proteas to the World Test Championship title, their first ICC trophy in 27 years, with the 35-year-old emerging as the side’s top scorer in the competition.
With his redemption arc already plotted out, Bavuma looks back at the distressing period two years ago through a philosophical prism.
“It wasn’t the greatest of World Cups for me from a batting point of view. So, I can understand why the criticism would have come from that point,” said Bavuma, on the eve of his side’s Test series opener against India in Kolkata.
“I think that’s probably more from a player’s point of view. From a captain’s point of view, for me, it’s always felt like a process of discovery — learning a little bit more about yourself.
“You start with an understanding of how you want to go about things from a leadership point of view. But as time goes by and you work with different coaches, that generally comes to the vault. I think now, I’m a lot more comfortable in my own skin.
“There’s no case of wanting to prove to myself, or the players, or the people back home that I’m deserving of the titles. I think the results that we’ve achieved speak for themselves. And I think the type of reaction that I get from the players, I think that’s what speaks for itself,” said Bavuma.
The South African skipper also acknowledged the futility of evading criticisms, while professing acceptance as the only way to get through them.
“The criticisms are not going to go away. As long as you’re in these positions, the magnifying glass is always going to be on you. So, that’s just something that you’re going to accept.
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“You obviously have your ambitions and expectations. But you also know that life can happen, cricket can happen, you come against other opposition who are as good as you are, and they can show you up. So, yeah, try to take it day by day and just try to enjoy it as well,” added Bavuma.
Bavuma also feels the newly added world champion badge will not be a burden for South Africa, but rather an injection of confidence, heading into the two-match series against India.
“I think now, whenever we go into a series, there’s a lot more of an expectation for us as a team to uphold the world champion status. From a confidence point of view, it’s just a case of us walking proudly with that badge.
“We’re known as the current champions at this point. We have an opportunity against India in its own conditions. So, it’s an opportunity for us to stamp ourselves with that label,” added Bavuma.
Published on Nov 13, 2025
