Cape Town – Proteas white-ball skipper, Temba Bavuma, 32, has expressed disappointment at going unsold at the SA20 auction that took place at the CTICC in Cape Town on Monday.
Addressing the media ahead of the side’s tour of India, the skipper said he expected to have played a role in the tournament.
“Obviously one expected to play a role in the tournament. But it’s not just me, it’s Andile (Phehlukwayo) too, a man who’s played a lot of white-ball cricket for South Africa,” Bavuma said.
Beforehand, Bavuma would have looked likely to end up at one of the franchises given his role as captain of the Protea’s white-ball side and what he could bring to a team as a leader. However, those skills did not aid him in being earmarked by a franchise.
“From my side, there are feelings of disappointment,” he admitted.
“I felt down when I wasn’t picked in the auction, I was expecting to play a role in SA20, even my family was thinking it, I am so disappointed,” he said.
“I almost feel let down in a way. I don’t think it comes down to any entitlement on my side,” Bavuma added.
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However, Bavuma, readying himself to lead the national side in their efforts to be victorious in India and do well in the upcoming T20 World Cup, cannot dwell on it with the imminent challenges ahead.
“I also have to caution myself from delving too deep into it. It’s probably not the right time. As much as I want to perhaps speak about the issue too, it’s not the right time. Our focus is India and the T20 World Cup,” he said.
“To be honest, I haven’t been following the media and reaction as I generally do anyway. It’s comforting to know there’s a section of the cricketing community who share my sentiments,” added Bavuma.
With an average of 26.76 and a strike rate of 120.60 in T20 Internationals, franchise owners were perhaps less concerned about his leadership skills and more worried about his batting statistics in the twenty-over format.
“You want to be selected on whatever merit and credentials. I know what I’m feeling but I don’t know what’s happening outside,” the 32-year-old said.
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Compiled by Junaid Benjamin
