‘My friends from Langa would have huge plates at lunch. We’d laugh about it but…’: SA captain Temba Bavuma recalls humble beginnings ahead of WTC final | Cricket News

“There was always some sort of allegiance with Lord’s when we were growing up in Langa,” Bavuma said on playing the final at the iconic venue. “On the right-hand side of the street the tar wasn’t done so nicely and we used to call it Karachi. The other side was the MCG. But my favourite section was clean and done up nicely, and we called it Lord’s because it just looked better. As a kid of 10, I already had that dream of playing at Lord’s.”

“The added responsibility, getting pushed up the order, is something I thrived on,” reflected Bavuma on his captaincy. “Most of all, I just understand my game and I don’t try playing like anyone else.”

More than a cricketer

As a captain, his former coach Geoffrey Toyana firmly believes that Bavuma is among the best in the world. Most of his on-field calls back that assessment and he puts it down to Bavuma’s personality. “He’s the kind the players want to turn up for. Short in stature, but strong in character,” said Toyana speaking to The Indian Express.

Listen to this. “Since his early cricketing days, we’ve given him the nickname Sachin. The thing that put him apart even when he wasn’t a captain is what you saw of him when he spoke. The people want to listen to what he has to say. It’s a strong trait to have as a leader.