Proteas captain Temba Bavuma addressed the media ahead of the first Test against India, beginning on 14 November at Eden Gardens.
Following a drawn series against Pakistan and still basking in the glow of their World Test Championship triumph, Bavuma discussed the team’s selection plans, the meaning of their recent success, and the monumental challenge of facing India in their own conditions.
Asked about team selection and who would take the gloves for South Africa, Bavuma confirmed that the wicketkeeping role had been decided.
“Ryan Rickleton will be keeping wickets. In terms of starting 11, we haven’t finalised that. We’ll finalise that on the morning of the game.”
Reflecting on what it feels like to be world champions, Bavuma said the achievement has begun to settle in.
“Yeah, I think it has sunk in. I think whenever we go into a series, there’s a lot more of an expectation for us as a team to, I guess, uphold the world champion status.
“It doesn’t really change anything from our point of view, but I think from a confidence point of view, it’s just a case of us kind of walking proudly with that badge, being known as the champions, the current champions at this point.
“We have a lovely opportunity now coming up against India in their own conditions. There’s not many bigger challenges than that, so it’s a great opportunity for us to kind of stamp ourselves with that label.”
With the first Test approaching, Bavuma acknowledged the difficulty of balancing seam and spin options.
“Yeah, look, I mean, we haven’t finalised the team but it’s all those different, I guess, considerations. The ball does seem to swing here in Kolkata probably a little bit more than what we are accustomed to playing in India.
“So there’s obviously the consideration of the extra spinner, but obviously in subcontinent as well, you want to make sure that you have the resources from a spin point of view.
“I don’t think too much changes from a batting point of view. You want to select your best six batters, however way we go. Yeah, it’s probably more from a volume point of view.
“And look, we’ll take the luxury of giving ourselves the extra day. And today, have a look at the wicket to make sure that we are clear on whatever starting level we put out for the game.”
Bavuma was also asked about South Africa’s limited Test schedule and the lack of traditional home fixtures.
“Look, it’s always been quite sad for us as the players, but I think the fans as well. The fans will have wanted an opportunity to properly celebrate the team. But be as it may, we are in that position now.
“This test series becomes our festive season for us, so we’ll try to make the most of it. I think obviously a lot of support and appreciation has been given to us for being victors. I think probably us being seen outside of the big three, I think it is a bit more of a victory than anything.
“But yeah, it’s sad that we’re in this position. But I think quite positive that when we play in 14 Tests, a little bit more than the last Test cycle, we’re still crying for a little bit more Tests. We’d love to play against teams like Europe, India, England and Australia, where we’ll have this opportunity in the test cycle. Maybe not just two Tests, maybe three tests. That would be fun. But yeah, we’ll take what we have at this point.”
On his return to the field in the A game, Bavuma spoke about rediscovering rhythm and fitness.
“Yeah, it’s always nice to get a look in to their bowlers. India on the other side had a very good bowling attack. I think most of the guys are playing on international cricket. I think it’s only harsher than the left-arm spinner. So yeah, it’s always good to have a look in.
“They also get to have a look in at you as well, so it kind of works in their advantage. But I think for me the biggest thing was, having come off a long day of test cricket, getting back on the field, proving my fitness to myself and everyone around, spending some time with the crease. I think that was important.
And trying to make whatever adjustments that I need to make with conditions here in the subcontinent.
“So yeah, I thought it was a good exercise. Spent a lot of time on my feet in the field. But yeah, it was a good exercise.”
Asked what would make him prouder – winning in India or beating the previous Test champions – Bavuma’s answer was firm.
“I think obviously winning the World Test Championship, I think not much can trump that.
“But second to that, nothing would be winning in India. It’s something that’s, I wouldn’t even say it’s eluded us, but we haven’t been able to do for the longest of time.
“So, I mean, that’s definitely up there in terms of ambition. And I think over the next two weeks, that’s what we’ll be pushing towards. So, you know, coming to India is never easy.
“We understand the magnitude of the challenge. Some of us in the group, there have been moments of hurt having come from India. So, we know what it’s about.
“So, yeah, we look forward to the challenge. It should be exciting, looking at the makeup of both teams. Fantastic players within the Indian team, but a little bit of inexperience.
“Similarly with our side, the guys who want to match up to the best in the world. So, I think it should be an exciting series.”
He also spoke about facing India’s unusual left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav.
“Yeah, so I think for myself, it was the first time me actually facing him. So, that was quite nice. I’d rather face him in the A game than here in Kolkata. Let’s see if he plays.
“I think, yeah, it takes a little bit of time to get used to him. Not a massive turn on the ball, but it can obviously deceive you off the wicket with the ball turning in and turning away.
“Yeah, I think it’s just really giving yourself that extra bit of time to understand the little nuances that he has. But, I mean, in my little bit that I got to face him last week, you can see why, you know, India have a lot of faith in him. Definitely a guy who’s a wicket-taker.
“So, you know, we’ll obviously have to keep our words about him. But I think like all their bowlers, they won’t have the ability to take wickets. We’ll have to take care of them and give them the respect that they deserve.”
On his growth as a captain over the past two years, Bavuma reflected:
“The fitness issue, that hasn’t gone away, so I can’t really say anything positive there. From a captaincy point of view, look, yeah, there was the 2023 World Cup. It wasn’t the greatest of World Cups for me from a batting point of view, so I can understand why the criticism would have come from that point.
“And I think that’s probably more from a player point of view. From a captaincy point of view, I think, you know, for me, it’s always felt as if it’s a process of discovery. You’re always kind of learning a little bit.”
Proteas Test Squad vs India
Temba Bavuma (captain), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne.
Fixtures (SAST)
14–18 November, 06:00 SAST – India vs South Africa, Eden Gardens, Kolkata
22–26 November, 06:00 SAST – India vs South Africa, ACA Stadium, Guwahati
