CSA director of cricket Enoch Nkwe admits Temba Bavuma’s injury woes are a “concern” but insists the Proteas captain still has their full backing to lead the side at the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Bavuma is currently sidelined with a calf strain sustained while fielding in the third ODI against England in Southampton, which left him unable to bat as South Africa were bowled out for just 72. He now faces a race to be fit for the two-Test series in Pakistan in mid-October.
The 34-year-old captain is central to the Proteas’ long-term plans in both the Test and ODI formats, but his persistent injuries are raising concerns.
At the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, Bavuma played the semi-final against Australia with a hamstring problem, and he battled through the World Test Championship final at Lord’s in June with a grade two tear to the same area. He has also dealt with a lingering elbow issue.
“It’s a tough one, because we want him to make it to 2027, and we have to take it year by year,” Nkwe told News24.
“With this injury now, he is going to be re-assessed and we’ll figure out what the next steps forward are. It is a concern in general, but I believe we have the personnel and tools to ensure that we can manage him and help him overcome the injuries heading into 2027.
“The medical team is looking deeply into it. It’s a calf injury, so we need to see if it is linked to the hamstring injury.
“He is putting in good work behind the scenes to be in good shape and be there for the team. We’re trying to support him as much as possible so he’s there in 2027.”
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