India vs South Africa, 1st T20I: Indian pacers will pose a big challenge, says Temba Bavuma | Cricket News – Times of India

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: When Temba Bavuma was named captain of the South African side in 2021, he became the first-ever black African player to lead the Proteas. However, the skipper surprisingly didn’t have any takers when the auctions for the newly-introduced South African T20 league took place last week.
Having admitted that he was ‘disappointed’ and felt ‘let down’ at going unsold at the auctions before he left South African shores, the 32-year-old said that he will like to keep those issues on the back-burner, at least for now.

“My focus is on the role I have, which is to lead and serve the team as best I can. I want to make sure that the guys are in the best space possible going into that big tournament (World T20). All focus for me is on the World Cup. All other distractions, all other sideshows, I will deal with it on a personal level,” Bavuma said.
The diminutive batsman had led the team during South Africa‘s tour of India earlier in the year, which ended at 2-2, and he expects the short three-match T20 series to be as competitive as the previous one. “The last time we were tested and were challenged in all departments of the game and I think we answered it quite well. In India, with the size of the ground, you expect a lot of 4s and 6s to be hit and we would like to match them on that count,” added Bavuma.
The last time the South Africans were here they didn’t have to confront Jasprit Bumrah. Back from injury, the Indian pace spearhead will pose a major threat for the Proteas. The skipper feels dealing the new ball will be quite a challenge.
“They get the ball to swing and move a bit, a little more than what we are accustomed to back home. The challenge will be to limit the damage and then get some momentum going.”