Proteas coach Mark Boucher Backs Bavuma

The Proteas, led by Temba Bavuma departs for India today, where the two nations will compete in a three-match T20, and a three-match ODI series. This will serve as final preparations for the ICC T20 Cricket World Cup.

What has been concerning to most fans is the persistent inclusion of captain Temba Bavuma in the Proteas T20 squad. While he is an outstanding leader and a solid player in the longer formats of the game, he has struggled on a T20I front of late.

Of the sixteen innings played during the 2021/22 season, he’s only made 25+ runs five times. One of those innings, the last one, in fact, ended prematurely. Bavuma took a nasty blow off the bowling of Bhuvneshwar Kumar. That saw him retire hurt.

SA20 exclusion

His snub at the SA20 Auction earlier in the week also seemed to underline his value to the game. One would expect that the captain of the national team would be highly desired. However, when his name came up, not one of the six franchises made a peep.

In the face of this, outgoing Proteas coach, Mark Boucher had quite the passionate response when asked about Temba getting the cold shoulder. Speaking at the team departure press conference early on Thursday morning, Boucher underlined the fact that he categorically supports Bavuma.

“He’s our leader and we back him in this team like you can’t believe,” said the former Protea wicket-keeper batsman.

“Leagues, they come and go and I’m in full understanding and respect of this new league that’s come up in South African cricket. I think it’s needed. But, let’s separate the national team from the league.

“Temba Bavuma is our leader, okay? And I back him one hundred percent.”

Regarding the negative chatter online, Boucher confirmed that he’s not interested in seeing, hearing or engaging in it.

“I don’t really care to be honest with you,” said the Coach.

“Bottom line is, we are on a journey. We’ve been on a journey for the last two years. He’s been a massive part of that journey and we back him like you cant believe.

“From a protea perspective, we do back him 100% and going into a massive tournament like a world cup, he will be a massive part of our team going forward.

“As a coach, I back him 100%, simple as that.”

Keeping focused

As one can expect, for Proteas captain Temba Bavuma, the snub was a hard knock on the ego. At the media conference, the National limited overs captain was still extremely dismayed.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed. I was obviously expecting to play a role in the tournament,” said Bavuma.

“I feel almost let down in a way, and I don’t think that comes from any point of entitlement from my side. Whenever the right time comes, I’ll speak more about it, but I feel disappointed. I feel let down on a lot of fronts.”

While his dispirited nature is quite understandable, there is a job that needs doing.

“Our focus at the moment is on India and the World Cup and doing what we need to do there,” said the captain.

“The biggest thing for me is to serve the team as best I can. I still have the responsibility of being the captain, being the leader within the team.

“So, I’d endeavour to do that as best as I can, as I believe I have been doing over the last couple of months. All the other things I will deal with on a personal level. The biggest thing for me is to serve the team in the best way possible.”

The Proteas will start their T20I series on Wednesday, 28 September 2022, when they meet India at the Greenfield Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.