SA vs IND 2023: Why is Temba Bavuma not playing South Africa vs India T20 Series?

South Africa have rested batter Temba Bavuma for its home white-ball series against India this month after a poor Cricket World Cup, but he will captain the team in the two-Test series which starts on December 26. Bavuma was, by his admission, not 100 per cent fit as South Africa bowed out of the World Cup semi-finals in a three-wicket loss to eventual champions Australia.

Why is Temba Bavuma not playing South Africa vs India T20 Series?

Temba Bavuma He opened the innings in the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023 but averaged only 18.12 across his eight games with a high score of 35. The out-of-form is the most significant reason for Bavuma not getting a place in the white ball home series against India.

Shukri Conrad, South Africa’s Test coach, said at a press conference. “We are prioritising readiness for the Test matches given it is the start of the World Test Championship (WTC).”

In the last 10 T20I innings, Temba Bavuma could not score a fifty including three ducks. It is time to rethink a young option at the top for South Africa in the white-ball cricket. There are young talents like Matthew Breetzke, who can set the future of South African white ball cricket after Quinton de Kock’s retirement. Bavuma’s exclusion will open up the slot for other young talents in the squad as well.

Temba Bavuma Last 10 T20I Innings

There is a positive aspect of this decision of not including the senior batsman. It will bolster the focus of Bavuma in the World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle. He is a very good captain. But, as an opening batsman in the white ball cricket, he needs to work on it.