‘Let down’ Bavuma shifts focus

Temba Bavuma says he wants to park the bitter disappointment of not being bought for the SA20 franchise tournament for now as he looks ahead to the tour of India and then the T20 World Cup in Australia straight afterwards.

But there is no doubting the Proteas captain feels like he has been ditched on Lovers Lane.

Bavuma, captain of the national T20 side, failed to draw a single bid in this week’s auction, despite being put up for sale three times, and will now not be a part of the most important T20 tournament this country has hosted. The 32-year-old suffered the same fate as fellow Proteas white-ball stalwart Andile Phehlukwayo.

“I would be lying if I said there wasn’t disappointment and obviously I expected to play a role in the SA20. And it’s not just myself but Andi as well. He has played for several years for South Africa in white-ball cricket.

“I feel almost let down. This is not coming from a place of entitlement though and you want to be selected on merit or whatever credentials you have.

“I also need to caution myself not to delve too deeply into it. It’s not the right time now, my focus is on the India tour and the World Cup afterwards.

“It is comforting that some people share the same sentiments as me, but the biggest thing for me is to serve the team the best I can. I still have a big responsibility as captain,” Bavuma said yesterday.

Setbacks have generally brought out the best in the feisty, determined Bavuma in the past and he’s not one for cussing and moaning in a dark corner.

Coach Mark Boucher said the team ensured the captain knew he had their support when the squad had a get-together before their departure for India today.

“Temba is our leader, we back him 100% and you could see the energy around him, the guys understand the situation he is going through,” said Boucher.

Bavuma added: “I don’t expect words of sympathy, let’s rather go out there and create some memories. I’ve been out injured for three months so I’m looking forward to getting out on the park again.”

“There are things I need to deal with on a personal level, but I’m not going to sit here and say I need to prove anything.” All