Former fast bowler Makhaya Ntini reckoned that head coach Mark Boucher needs to think about Temba Bavuma’s form in international cricket. In 5 T20I innings in 2022, the right-handed Bavuma scored 61 runs at an average of 15.25.
In the first T20I against India in Trivandrum, Bavuma failed to open his account after the fast bowler Deepak Chahar cleaned him up. He faced four balls before perishing in the very first over after South Africa were put in to bat first in difficult batting conditions.
Ntini also believed that the Proteas have the option of Reeza Hendricks to replace Bavuma. Earlier this year, Hendricks became the sixth batter to score four T20I half-centuries in a row.
“It’s one of those things Mark Boucher needs to think of as he has got players around him. Since Bavuma is failing, it’s a chance for Reeza Hendricks to come back and represent South Africa, especially after he scored four half-centuries in a row,” Ntini was quoted as saying on ESPNcricinfo.
Ntini, who played 101 Tests, 173 ODIs and 10 T20Is for the Proteas, said that Bavuma needs to start leading from the front before it’s too late.
“Bavuma needs to think about where he wants to go from now. He needs to make sure that everyone follows him whatever he does as a leader. If you are not scoring runs, it becomes hard for you,” he added.
