'A World Cup at home will be an occasion in itself'
New Delhi, Nov. 13 -- His name is Temba; he comes from Langa; He came to score, came to score, came to score, score, score; Temba Bavuma, he comes from Langa; To play for Protea.
This chant echoed as South Africa ended the silverware drought last year by winning the World Test Championship final at Lord's. From there on, the legend of South Africa captain Temba Bavuma has not stopped growing. The 36-year-old led from the front as the Proteas fought back to defeat Australia 2-1 and clinch the recent three-match Test series.
The Proteas are now getting ready to host Bangladesh in a two-match Test series, and ahead of the opener in Johannesburg on Sunday, HT caught up with Bavuma. Excerpts:
There are a lot of things that we are doing right. A lot of our success has been built over the last couple of years as we've come together as this new Test team. You have a sense of 15 guys playing for each other and trying to achieve something remarkable. I would say that, intrinsically, those are the types of values that allow us to be consistent in our success.
It was a rude introduction for us, a re-introduction into Test cricket... South Africans are known to be resilient. I had self-introspection before turning it on to the players and how we could find ways to go forward.
We work well together. He's yin to my yang. He's a little more exuberant and, at times, unorthodox in his thinking and in ways; he challenges me and the team in many of our approaches. And it's all in the effort to get the best out of individuals. A lot of our early chat was about how we could create an environment where guys could play freely, express themselves, and be who they naturally are. We recognise that's when guys will be able to play at their best. Having that alignment and synergy from the beginning has helped create the required foundation.
The biggest achievement is definitely the WTC final. That's something that we've been yearning for as a South African team to have silverware, to bring back a trophy. We've had a lot of heartache as a nation, as a cricketing team. To be at the forefront, to lead that, that's definitely something. In India, we hadn't won a series for several years. I think Hansie Cronje was the last time we did that, then beating Australia. Those two are achievements as well.
Oh boy, that's a big question. Just that opportunity to lead the team in the World Cup, in a home World Cup. That will be an occasion in itself. The opportunity, again, to do something that we haven't done in a 50-over World Cup. That's a prospect that I'm trying to get my mind around. In terms of legacy, I think that's for the people out there. That's not really something that I chase as a player, but I'm sure it will do a world of good. It's definitely going to be one of the highlights of my career, if not the best.
Definitely not aware. I'm glad people are finding enjoyment in me. I sometimes see the memes that are floating about, some good, some not so flattering, and the nicknames as well. Look, it's nice to be seen in a joyful way....
इस लेख के रीप्रिंट को खरीदने या इस प्रकाशन का पूरा फ़ीड प्राप्त करने के लिए, कृपया
हमे संपर्क करें.