South African batsman David Bedingham has singled out Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma as his preferred Indian players. He disclosed that during his youth, he shaped his technique based on Jacques Kallis and Herschelle Gibbs, but turned to imitating Kohli and Rohit when he faced challenges.
At 29 years old, Bedingham marked an impactful Test debut at SuperSport Park in Centurion, scoring 56 off 87 balls. His innings included seven fours and two sixes, and he notably shared a century partnership with Dean Elgar (185) for the fourth wicket. Before the second Test against India, set to take place at his home ground in Newlands, Cape Town, the South African cricketer shared insights into how school seniors Kallis and Gibbs, along with Indian stars Kohli and Rohit, have influenced his batting technique.
“My two favorites among Indian players are Sharma and Kohli. I think when I was between 13-18, I was trying to mold my technique like theirs (Kallis and Gibbs) and when I had a bad game, I changed my technique to copy Kohli’s or try probably Sharma’s,” Bedingham was quoted as saying in a PTI report.
Although the South African batsman appeared composed during his Test debut, he acknowledged feeling nervous when confronting Jasprit Bumrah.
“My nerves were really high and I didn’t really think about his bowling. I was so nervous about batting, great Test. He swings the ball at great pace both ways,” he said.
Prior to his Test debut, Bedingham had participated in 87 first-class matches, amassing 6,047 runs at an average of 49.56, including 18 centuries and 23 half-centuries.
“My priority is Test cricket and first-class cricket” – David Bedingham views on T20 leagues
Bedingham has been selected in the South African Test squad for the upcoming tour of New Zealand since many prominent players will be engaged in the SA20. When questioned if he is interested in participating in franchise leagues, the batsman responded:
“I have always loved watching Test cricket, so I see it as a bonus. If those things come up, perfect, my priority is Test cricket and first-class cricket. The biggest dream is to score a century at Newlands.”
Bedingham has participated in 55 T20 matches, achieving 1014 runs at an average of 20.28 and a strike rate of 128.84, including six half-centuries.
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