Proteas Skipper Temba Bavuma Share 'Disappointment' After Going Unsold In SA20 League Auction
Published - 22 Sep 2022, 06:16 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:13 AM
South Africa limited-overs skipper Temba Bavuma recently went unsold in this week’s auction for the inaugural SA20 league. The right-hander made no secret of his dismay and stated he felt ‘disappointed’.
Temba Bavuma’s discarding has now unleashed a tsunami of debate on what is a polarising issue, especially given his status as a key player in the national team’s white-ball squads.
Temba Bavuma highlights that white-ball cricketers have to face the brunt
Bavuma said on Thursday, on the eve of the Proteas’ departure for a white-ball tour to India, “I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have any feelings of disappointment. Obviously one expected to play a role in the tournament. But it’s not just me, it’s Andile (Phehlukwayo) too, a man who’s played a lot of white-ball cricket for South Africa. From my side, there are feelings of disappointment.”
However, with his side needing his leadership on a trip that’s going to be vital both from a 50-over World Cup and T20 World Cup perspective, Bavuma is trying to exercise restraint.
“I almost feel let down in a way. I don’t think it comes down to any entitlement on my side, I also have to caution myself from delving too deep into it. It’s probably not the right time. As much as I want to perhaps speak about the issue too, it’s not the right time. Our focus is India and the T20 World Cup,” he added.
Temba Bavuma trying to stay away from media reactions
When quizzed if he was becoming burdened by every selection setback involving him boiling down to a debate about race instead of his credentials as a player, the 32-year-old again kept his cool.
“To be honest, I haven’t been following the media and reaction as I generally do anyway. It’s comforting to know there’s a section of the cricketing community who share my sentiments,” said Bavuma.
“You want to be selected on whatever merit and credentials. I know what I’m feeling but I don’t know what’s happening outside,” he concluded.
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