‘Belief In Myself’: Temba Bavuma On The Mindset Shift And Goals Powering The Proteas

Captain Temba Bavuma’s form and ability to score big test runs has been a driving force behind South Africa’s resurgence in the five-day game that took them to the World Test Championship title last year.

Up to March 2023, Bavuma averaged just under 35 in Test cricket, below par for a top-order batter and making him a target for critics.

But his form has been transformed since then, and he has averaged over 50, placing him among the elite batters in the world, with his recent career-best 179 against Australia in the second test of their current series a sublime example of that.

Asked what the catalyst has been for his vast improvement in form, Bavuma suggests getting to know his own game better and not trying to mimic others has been a key factor.

“I don’t think there was one particular moment or conversation [when things changed]. It was something that developed over a period of time. I’ve been playing international cricket for 10 years, so at some point I was going to get something right!” Bavuma tells FORBES AFRICA.

“A lot of it was about accepting myself as a player, understanding what I can and cannot do, and what allows me to be successful. In your first couple of years, you are always searching for that secret formula that will bring success.

“You look at guys like AB (de Villiers) and Hash (Amla), who are completely different players. One day you think you have to play like AB, the next you think you have to play like Hash, and you forget to embrace what you have yourself.

“For me, it has been about sticking to my own skill set and developing that belief in myself, something you build up over the years.”

Bavuma reveals that family life since becoming a father has also given him a new perspective on the game.

“My life has also developed, and there are a lot more responsibilities off the field. That helps put the pressures of cricket into perspective and changes the way you look at things,” he says.

“There is also a greater sense of enjoyment in taking on different challenges, setting goals and having a vision of what you want to achieve, both personally and as a team. You learn to enjoy the process of working towards those goals.”

Bavuma is captaining South Africa in the series decider against Australia that started in Cape Town on Tuesday, October 27. The winner will occupy the number one test ranking in world cricket.