Temba Bavuma has shaken off the calf strain picked up in England and will captain South Africa in next month’s two-Test visit to India. The 33-year-old last played international cricket in early September and sat out the recent draw in Pakistan, where the World Test Championship defence began without him.
“I’ve done the rehab, I’ve had a few net sessions, and the body feels fine,” Bavuma said during a low-key media call on Monday. “Captaincy brings its own load, but the leg’s strong enough for it.”
The selectors have kept changes to a minimum. Bavuma replaces David Bedingham, the only adjustment to the batting group that toured Pakistan. Bedingham, 29, travelled but did not play either Test and now slips behind a clutch of younger options – Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis and Zubayr Hamza – all retained.
Convener of selectors Victor Mpitsang described the call as “painful but necessary”. He added: “David’s numbers are solid, yet the lads ahead of him give us flexibility across formats, and that matters on a trip like this.”
South Africa have again opted for three front-line spinners. Keshav Maharaj comes in fully fit after a groin niggle, joining Simon Harmer and Senuran Muthusamy. Off-spinner Prenelan Subrayen, who deputised in Rawalpindi, makes way. Kagiso Rabada headlines a compact pace unit alongside Corbin Bosch and the towering Marco Jansen; Lungi Ngidi remains on the sidelines after a heel problem.
Coach Shukri Conrad is content with the balance. “We won in Karachi with three spinners and a single quick in the XI. Conditions in Kolkata and Guwahati can demand similar thinking,” he said. “That said, you want a bit of raw pace if the ball reverses, and KG gives you that.”
Before the main assignment, Bavuma will lead a South Africa A side in a four-day match against India A in Bengaluru. The hit-out doubles as final preparation and a chance for fringe players to push claims.
The tour schedule is tight: Tests start in Kolkata on 14 December and move to Guwahati on 22 December, bracketed by three ODIs and five T20Is. South Africa have chosen to rest Bavuma from all white-ball fixtures, mindful of his workload and the calf’s recent history.
India, unbeaten at home in Test cricket since early 2021, present a stern challenge, yet Conrad sees opportunity. “You learn quickly on the subcontinent,” he noted. “If we’re smart with our lengths and patient with the bat, we can put pressure on them.”
Squad: Temba Bavuma (capt), Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne, Dewald Brevis, Zubayr Hamza, Tony de Zorzi, Corbin Bosch, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Simon Harmer.
Messy or not, that’s the hand South Africa will play. Two Tests, limited prep, no margin for error – and their skipper back in the middle where he prefers to be.
