South Africa captain Temba Bavuma acknowledged that India naturally look more formidable with the return of senior stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. While he stressed that playing against them is not unfamiliar, he admitted their presence undeniably adds weight to the Indian lineup.
Calling the situation “nothing new but it does bolster the hosts,” Bavuma noted that India benefit greatly from the duo’s vast experience and match-winning abilities.
He emphasised that South Africa have encountered these icons multiple times, saying, “these are world-class players,” and their return only adds more intensity and anticipation to the series. Bavuma even recalled how long they’ve been dominating international cricket, mentioning he “was still in school” when Rohit debuted in the 2007 T20 World Cup.
Experience and Quality Add Extra Challenge
Reflecting on the ongoing contests between the two teams, Bavuma said South Africa have felt both the highs and lows while facing Rohit and Kohli over the years. “We have come across it … we have been on the bad end of it. But we have also had good times against them,” he remarked, expressing confidence that his team is capable of matching India even when the giants return.
He explained that Kohli and Rohit naturally elevate India’s batting composure and stability, making them a different side compared to the one South Africa beat in the Test series. Their influence was visible in the first ODI as India set a strong platform with their presence, and according to Bavuma, such experience often helps India thrive in high-pressure situations.
South Africa Focused on Improvements Despite Close Loss
Discussing South Africa’s narrow defeat in the first ODI — by just 17 runs — Bavuma pointed out that the difference between the two sides was not massive. He insisted that the Proteas were competitive throughout and that the chase was within reach at several points. The skipper also highlighted the crucial role played by Marco Jansen in recent months, praising the young all-rounder for impacting matches with both bat and ball. Bavuma described Jansen’s contributions as “immense to our success,” underscoring his reliability across formats.
Despite the setback in the opening ODI, Bavuma expressed optimism, maintaining that South Africa remain confident and will look to sharpen key areas as the series progresses. He concluded by crediting India for a well-earned victory, especially with their senior stalwarts back in action.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.