South Africa Captain Temba Bavuma Opens Up on India Tour Controversies

South Africa’s recent test tour of India was highly successful, as they whitewashed India on their home turf for the first time in history. Their charismatic captain, Temba Bavuma, led from the front to give the team a strong edge over India. Unfortunately, he faced some controversial remarks during the test series, which revealed cheap and immoral sledging tactics opted by the Indian team. Bavuma did not pay heed to those comments during the tour, however, he has now shared some of his thoughts.

The captain of South Africa said that the team travelled to India with an understanding of the degree of challenge. Their last test tour to India in 2019 was not a great one, as they lost the series in a one-sided affair by 3-0.

“My first tour to India was back in 2015. India claimed the Test series 3-0 and I only played in the fourth and final Test, in Delhi. In 2019, it was really not a great one. We got hammered 3-0 in the series, with India winning by an innings twice.” said captain of South Africa, Temba Bavuma.

“I guess we came into the 2025 series knowing how tough it can be. You don't want to admit it as such but there are scars that still kind of live there. You just hope that you don't reopen those wounds or relive those moments. There was that from a mental point of view, but also, with past experience, you know how tough it's going to be.” added Temba Bavuma.

Having learned plenty of lessons from the last tour, Bavuma knew what was needed to be done this time to achieve success in India. Fortunately, he didn’t dwell too much on the previous tour, as planning for the new one became more important for him.

“From a technical point of view, you have a better understanding of what you need to do to be successful in those conditions. India is one of those places where you have to play there to experience it all and understand what you need to do in order to be successful.” said Temba Bavuma.

“I'm very glad that the negative emotions and experiences of the past were not present this time round.” added Temba Bavuma.

Bavuma’s Thoughts on Controversial Comments

Bavuma then revealed how some cheap comments from the Indian side made things a bit controversial, however, he didn’t pay much attention to them. Being a captain, his job was to win matches for South Africa, which is why he didn’t make a fuss about what was said by some senior Indian players.

“I know from my side there was an incident where they said something in their language about me. At the end of the day two senior players, Rishabh Pant and Jasprit Bumrah, came and apologised. When the apology was made, I was in the dark about what it was about, I hadn't heard it at the time and I needed to check in with our media manager about it.” said Temba Bavuma.

“What happens on the field, stays on the field but you don't forget what is said. You use it as fuel and motivation, but there are no grudges per se.” added Temba Bavuma.

He then spoke about a statement made by the South Africa head coach, which also sparked some controversy at the end. He faced media pressure at the time to clarify those comments, but he left that to Conrad Shukri, as he was the main man to explain the statement in a proper context.

“Shukri also took some heat for his "grovel" remark. I was put under pressure by the media on that side, asking me to clarify the comments that were made. I thought Shukri was the man best positioned to give context to it all.” said Temba Bavuma.

“The first time I heard about it, it had that unsavoury taste to it, but I think it just reminded me how tough and competitive the Test series was and what it meant to certain individuals within the group. Shukri spoke after the ODI series and put that issue to bed. In hindsight, he said he could have chosen a better word and I agree with him.” added Temba Bavuma.