Newly named South Africa limited-overs captain Temba Bavuma said that the team is not disturbed by the fact that many of the first-choice players will leave after the second ODI against Pakistan during their upcoming three-match ODI series at home.
Image Credit: Twitter
Pakistan will be touring South Africa for a series of four ODIs starting April 2 and three T20Is starting April 10. This will be Temba Bavuma’s first assignment as full-time South Africa white-ball captain, after CSA named him the leader of the Proteas team for the 2021 and 2022 Twenty20 World Cups, as well as the 50-over World Cup in 2023, after replacing wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock.
It’s Not As Disturbing Now That We Are Aware Of The Arrangement That Is In Place: Temba Bavuma
Many first-choice players from South Africa will be required to leave for the IPL 2021 edition and join their respective franchises before the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League beginning from April 9 onwards.
These include players such as Kagiso Rabada (Dehli Capitals), Quinton de Kock (Mumbai Indians), Lungi Ngidi (Chennai Super Kings), David Miller (Rajasthan Royals), and Anrich Nortje (Dehli Capitals). They were also not chosen for the T20I series containing four matches, citing a contract with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as a reason.
Temba Bavuma. Image-Twitter
“It’s not as disturbing now that we are aware of the arrangement that is in place. For the first two games, we have got all our best players. It’s important that we get positive results. That’s not to say we are conceding the result in the third game. We believe we have got worthy enough replacements. I don’t think it’s that disturbing and we respect the relationship between CSA and the BCCI,” said Temba Bavuma, during a virtual press conference on Monday.
“The guys who are here can take comfort in the fact that the World Cup squads will be coming from this group, so it’s important that guys acknowledge that there is an opportunity and that they know where they can fit in within that squad. My message to the young guys is that the opportunity is there and make sure you keep churning out those performances,” said Temba Bavuma.
The three ODIs between South Africa and Pakistan will be played on April 2, 4, and 7, while the four-match T20I series will be played on April 10, 12, 14, and 16 April.
