Born on May 17, 1990, Temba Bavuma is a prominent South African cricketer. He currently holds the captaincy for the South African cricket team in both Tests, having previously captained in ODIs and T20Is. While he now primarily serves as a right-handed fielder, Bavuma made history as the first black African cricketer to achieve a Test century for South Africa and also as the first to lead the team. Additionally, he is part of an exclusive group of South African cricketers who marked their ODI debut with a century, recording 113 runs against Ireland in September 2016.
Temba Bavuma found marital bliss with his spouse, Phila Lobi, as the couple exchanged vows in an intimate ceremony set amidst South Africa’s picturesque Franschhoek region in the Western Cape on August 26, 2018. Since that memorable day, they have remained happily united, cherishing their enduring bond.
Temba Bavuma’s wife Phila Lobi has a private Instagram account where she follows only the ones she knows. Bavuma is yet to upload any of the couple’s picture on his Instagram account. They love to keep their love life private and away from the world of glam.
Hailing from the vibrant cricket hub of Langa, where notable cricketers such as Thami Tsolekile and Malusi Siboto also share the same street roots, Temba Bavuma received his early education at South African College Junior School in Newlands. Later, he continued his academic journey at St David’s Marist Inanda, a prestigious boys’ high school situated in Sandton.
Temba Bavuma and Phila Lobi Son
Temba Bavuma and Phila Lobi’s son, Lihle was born on 30th September 2023. Bavuma posted on Instagram on 30th September 2024 to celebrate the birthday of his son.
The Boxing Day Test between South Africa and India took an unfortunate turn for the Proteas as their skipper and experienced batter, Temba Bavuma, suffered a left hamstring strain in the first session. Bavuma, who left the field during the 20th over of India’s innings, is now doubtful for the second Test in Cape Town. This development has prompted speculation about potential replacements for the batter if he is unable to participate in the upcoming match.
1. Wiaan Mulder
Pieter Willem Adriaan Mulder, known as Wiaan Mulder, is an all-rounder with a right-arm fast-medium bowling style. He made his Test debut against Sri Lanka in February 2019 and has since been part of South Africa’s Test squad. He has played 12 Test matches, scoring 326 runs at an average of 15.52. While he is yet to register a century, his all-round capabilities make him a valuable asset.
2. Sarel Erwee
Sarel Erwee is a left-handed batter and a right-arm off-break bowler for South Africa. He made his Test debut against New Zealand in February 2022, where he impressed by scoring his maiden Test century, contributing 108 runs in the first innings. In his ten Test matches, Erwee has accumulated 479 runs at an average of 26.61, including one century and one half-century.
3. Rassie van der Dussen
Rassie van der Dussen is a seasoned professional representing the South Africa national cricket team. He made his Test debut against England in December 2019 and has been a consistent performer in the Test format. In 18 Test matches, van der Dussen has amassed 905 runs at an average of 30.16. Although he is yet to score a century, his ability to contribute with crucial runs makes him a reliable option.
Temba Bavuma’s injury occurred during the first session of the Boxing Day Test against India, forcing him to leave the field and undergo a scan. If Bavuma is unable to bat, South Africa will be a player short for the remainder of the match, as external injury replacements are not allowed. Bavuma’s potential absence also raises concerns about his availability for the New Year’s Test starting on January 3 in Cape Town.
The uncertainty surrounding Temba Bavuma’s participation in the second Test against India opens the door for other talented players to step up and contribute to the team’s success. Sarel Erwee, Wiaan Mulder, and Rassie van der Dussen bring different skills to the table, providing the team management with viable options to consider based on the match situation and team dynamics. The upcoming Test will not only test the replacement player’s skills but also their ability to fill the leadership void if Bavuma, who appeared to be leading the team in the first Test, is unable to play a further role.
South African captain Temba Bavuma faced an unfortunate setback during the ongoing Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test against India at Supersport Park in Centurion. In the first session, while attempting to stop a ball, Bavuma strained his left hamstring, causing him considerable pain.
Immediately after the injury, Bavuma limped off the field and received attention from physiotherapists. Since then, he has not been able to participate in the game, leaving his role in the match uncertain. Following the injury, Bavuma underwent scans, revealing the hamstring strain. His potential return to the game will depend on daily medical evaluations, with participation contingent on his fitness.
As Day 1 concludes with uncertainty about Bavuma’s involvement, and with four days remaining in the series, the team management may exercise caution to avoid risking his participation. South Africa is hopeful for a swift recovery for Bavuma, considering his crucial role both as a key batsman and the team’s captain.
Also Read: Chinese Brands Not Allowed For IPL 2024 Title Sponsorship, Says BCCI
In Bavuma’s absence, former captain Dean Elgar assumed the captaincy role, making a significant impact on the match. Elgar’s strategic leadership has applied pressure on the Indian team, with bowler Kagiso Rabada securing a fifer by dismissing key players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Shardul Thakur.
Despite the challenging situation, South Africa is relying on standout performances, with KL Rahul leading the charge for India with a brilliant half-century. Rahul’s controlled and aggressive batting style has anchored the Indian innings, and he remains a key player as the team aims for a substantial total.
South Africa is gearing up to host India for a thrilling cricketing series, comprising three T20Is, as many ODIs, and two Tests. As anticipation builds for this clash of cricketing giants, South Africa has announced its squads across all formats. Notably, Aiden Markram will step in as the captain for the white-ball series, taking over from Temba Bavuma, who has been rested.
White-Ball Series
In a strategic move, Captain Temba Bavuma and the explosive fast-bowler Kagiso Rabada have been given a well-deserved break during the white-ball series against India. Both players will return to action during the Test series, which commences on December 26. In Bavuma’s absence, Aiden Markram, who previously led the Proteas during the World Cup due to Bavuma’s illness, will captain the ODI and T20I teams against India.
Excitingly, the squad for the white-ball series includes some fresh faces. Fast-bowling allrounder Nadre Burger has earned his maiden call-up and will feature in all three formats. Joining him are Mihlali Mpongwana and David Bedingham, who have received their maiden ODI and Test call-ups, respectively. Tristan Stubbs has been included in the Test squad, and Kyle Verreynne has been recalled for both the ODI and Test series.
South Africa T20I Squad against India
Aiden Markram (c), Ottniel Baartman, Matthew Breetzke, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee (1st and 2nd T20Is), Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen (1st and 2nd T20Is), Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi (1st and 2nd T20Is), Andile Phehlukwayo, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, and Lizaad Williams.
South Africa ODI Squad against India
Aiden Markram (c), Ottniel Baartman, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Mihlali Mpongwana, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Andile Phehlukwayo, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, and Lizaad Williams.
The Test squad sees the return of Bavuma to the captaincy, and it includes a mix of experience and promising talent. Notably, Marco Jansen, Tristan Stubbs, and Kyle Verreynne find their place in the Test squad, showcasing the selectors’ confidence in the young guns.
South Africa Test squad against India
Temba Bavuma (c), David Bedingham, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Dean Elgar, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Keegan Petersen, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, and Kyle Verreynne.
Player Availability and Injury Updates
Gerald Coetzee, Marco Jansen, and Lungi Ngidi will play in the first two T20Is against India before being rested for the Test series. This strategic decision aims to manage their workload effectively. The trio will also participate in the First-Class fixtures from December 14 to 17 after the T20Is.
Unfortunately, Anrich Nortje and Wayne Parnell are yet to recover from injuries, leading to their exclusion from all three squads. Their absence will be felt, but South Africa remains optimistic about the strength and depth of the squads they have announced.
India vs South Africa Schedule
The series kicks off with the first T20I at Kingsmead, Durban, on December 10, followed by the second T20I at St George’s Park, Gqeberha, on December 12. The teams will then travel to New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, for the third T20I on December 14.
The ODI series will commence on December 17 at New Wanderers Stadium, followed by the second ODI at St George’s Park, Gqeberha, on December 19, and the third ODI at Boland Park, Paarl, on December 21.
The Test series will round off the tour, with the first Test scheduled at SuperSport Park, Centurion, from December 26 to December 30. The second Test will take place at Newlands, Cape Town, from January 3 to January 7.
Cricket enthusiasts around the world are eagerly awaiting this clash between two cricketing powerhouses. The series promises to deliver intense and memorable moments as both teams vie for supremacy in each format.
Former South African skipper Graeme Smith praised the current team’s destructive middle-order, singling out Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, and David Miller as powerful and effective batsmen. He noted that their ability to play spin well is a significant asset. Smith emphasized that batting with freedom has been the key to South Africa’s dominant performances in the World Cup. As they approach crucial matches against Afghanistan, New Zealand, and India, he advised them to maintain this approach.
Smith credited the success of the South African team to the work of captain Temba Bavuma, white-ball coach Rob Walter, and senior players. He stressed the importance of Bavuma’s leadership, both on and off the field, and encouraged him to step up with strong performances.
Smith expressed hope that South Africa’s cricket team can follow in the footsteps of the victorious Springboks, who won their fourth Rugby World Cup title. He anticipated the enthusiasm for sports in South Africa and hoped for a South Africa-India final in the cricket World Cup.
Reflecting on South Africa’s past World Cup disappointments, Smith was pleased to see the team in contention for their maiden title. He highlighted the significance of being in the hunt as the tournament reaches its critical stages.
South Africa is scheduled to face India on November 5 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Smith recalled the memorable matches he played against India and the unique experience of playing in iconic stadiums. He expressed the hope that the current team can create even better memories by defeating India in this edition of the World Cup.
Born on May 17, 1990, Temba Bavuma is a South African cricket luminary. Currently, he holds the captaincy for the South African cricket team in both Test and ODI formats, previously leading the T20I squad. Although primarily recognized as a right-handed fielder now, Bavuma’s legacy is marked by being the first black African cricketer to achieve a Test century for South Africa and serve as its captain. Furthermore, he stands among the select few South African cricketers who marked their ODI debut with a century, achieving a remarkable 113 runs against Ireland in September 2016.
Temba Bavuma Family Father, Mother, Sister, Brother
Temba Bavuma’s family includes his father, Vuyo Bavuma, and his mother, Phumza Bavuma. While these two are known, the rest of his family members have consciously maintained their privacy, staying away from the scrutiny of the media.
Temba Bavuma was born in the town of Langa, located in the Cape Town province of South Africa, to his parents Vuyo Bavuma and Phumza Bavuma. In his neighborhood, cricket was the predominant sport, and notable players like Thami Tsolekile also hailed from the same streets. Temba, displaying his cricket passion from a young age, amazed his seniors with his impressive batting skills.
Recently, Temba Bavuma shared a picture of his sister Phila Bavuma on his Instagram account.
He began his education at South African College Junior School in Newlands and later pursued his high school studies at St David’s Marist Inanda, a prestigious boys’ high school situated in Sandton.
Temba Bavuma’s journey of love led him to his spouse, Phila Lobi, with the couple uniting in a heartfelt ceremony amidst the scenic beauty of South Africa’s Franschhoek region in the Western Cape on August 26, 2018. Since that momentous day, they have shared a joyful and enduring bond together.
South Africa’s captain, Temba Bavuma, will be absent from his team’s two World Cup warm-up matches due to family-related travel. South Africa is scheduled to face Afghanistan and New Zealand on September 29 and October 2 in Thiruvananthapuram, and during Bavuma’s absence, Aiden Markram will take up the leadership role.
Bavuma is anticipated to rejoin the squad in time for South Africa’s World Cup opener against Sri Lanka in Delhi on October 7.
It’s worth noting that South Africa is already without fast bowlers Anrich Nortje and Sisanda Magala for the entire tournament due to injuries. Nortje is dealing with a suspected stress fracture of the back, while Magala has a left knee injury.
Following his impressive unbeaten 114 against Australia in the first ODI earlier this month, Bavuma experienced a hamstring issue but was fit for the subsequent two matches. However, he later suffered an inner thigh muscle strain and was rested from the fourth ODI as a precaution. Bavuma returned for the final game of the series but was dismissed for a two-ball duck.
During Bavuma’s absence in the warm-up matches, Reeza Hendricks may partner with Quinton de Kock as the opening pair.
