South Africa's Test captain Temba Bavuma has overcome early career challenges to become the cornerstone of the Proteas squad. His recent performances and leadership have propelled the team to impressive victories. A controversial remark during the India series highlighted his resilience.
Temba Bavuma's journey in Test cricket exemplifies perseverance amid scrutiny. Debuting in 2014, he became the first black batter to score a Test century for South Africa in 2016 against England at Newlands. Before his captaincy appointment in 2023, his average stood at 34.53, with one century and 20 half-centuries. Dropped from the squad in January 2020, he earned his return through strong domestic showings.
Since taking the helm, Bavuma has transformed. In 11 Tests before the second match against India in Guwahati on 22 November 2025, the Proteas secured 10 wins and one draw under his leadership. No captain in Test history has reached 10 victories in fewer games. This includes a seven-match winning streak, extended to eight with a win against Australia at Lord's in June, culminating in claiming the World Test Championship mace.
His batting has flourished, averaging 57 across 19 innings with 969 runs, including three centuries and six fifties. Now, his career average approaches 40, placing him among the top five ICC Test batters, behind Joe Root, Harry Brook, Kane Williamson, and Steve Smith. Fellow South African Aiden Markram ranks 16th.
During the first Test in Kolkata, Indian bowler Jasprit Bumrah's stump-mic comment, “bauna bhi hai” (meaning “he’s a dwarf too” in Hindi), targeted Bavuma's height amid an lbw appeal. Bavuma fell for three runs but returned unbeaten on 55 in the second innings, helping South Africa to 153 all out on a turning pitch. The Proteas clinched a 30-run victory, their first in India in 15 years, with Bumrah later embracing Bavuma.
Head coach Shukri Conrad praised Bavuma's character: “Thankfully, he has a heart like a giant.” Bavuma reflected in a Marawa Sports Worldwide podcast: “Lessons in my journey will make it a lot easier for other guys coming through... Someone had to deal with it. Now, if there’s a black African leader... we’re not going to look at it indifferently.”
The team has lost four Tests without him, including to India in January 2024 and Pakistan in Lahore this year. Conrad noted a recent win over Pakistan was achieved “without their best player,” underscoring Bavuma's all-around impact.