South Africa’s limited-overs captain Temba Bavuma said he hopes to play in the Indian Premier League and that he is looking to build on his good T20 form in the upcoming 5-match T20I series against India.
Temba Bavuma will lead South Africa in the upcoming 5-match T20I series (AFP Photo)
HIGHLIGHTS
- Bavuma said he is hopeful of getting an IPL contract
- Bavuma will lead South Africa in the upcoming 5-match T20I series
- The T20I series will be played from June 9 to 19
South Africa’s limited-overs captain Temba Bavuma said he aspires to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) at some point in his career and that he has the fantasy of leading a team in the premier T20 league in India.
Bavuma will be leading South Africa in their upcoming 5-match T20I series against India, starting June 9 in India. Bavuma led the Proteas at last year’s T20 World Cup and proved to be an inspirational figure in the dressing room even as there were off-field controversies.
Bavuma has has been improving his exploits in the shortest format of the game, having hit 501 runs in 21 matches so far.
“I would like to play there. The stronger my performances, the more realistic the opportunity becomes. I’ve also developed this fantasy of captaining a team. I don’t know where that comes from. I’d like to get that experience as well. But I kinda need to get into a team before that happens!” Bavuma told Cricket Montly.
South Africa have arrived in India with a full-strength squad and the Proteas will be looking forward to extend their winning run against India. Earlier this year, South Africa defeated India 2-1 in a Test series and blanked the Asian giants 3-0 in an ODi series.
BAVUMA ON PROTEAS STARS’ IPL FORM
Meanwhile, Bavuma said the good performances from South African players, including Kagiso Rabada, Aiden Markram, and Marco Jansen, Notably, Rabada picked up as many as 20 wickets for Punjab Kings while Markram 381 runs in 14 matches for SunRisers Hyderabad.
“It’s nice to see some of our guys doing well. KG (Kagiso Rabada) is en route to being the quickest to 100 wickets. That’s something to be proud of. And Marco Jansen — how he has gone and performed. Or Aiden (Markram),” Bavuma added.
“And even the younger guys who have showed their ability. There is a lot of talk about Dewald Brevis. He is an exciting prospect for our cricket. And Tristan Stubbs, getting a go. It’s been nice to see those guys.”
Bavuma said the key to winning in India is the top-order scoring the bulk of the runs and the skipper urged his big names at the top, including Quinton de Kock who was in fine form for Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2022.