Not easy being South Africa captain: Temba Bavuma basks in WTC glory

India Today

a day ago

As South Africa sealed their first ICC title in 27 years with a five-wicket win over Australia in the World Test Championship Final, captain Temba Bavuma didn't celebrate like the rest. He stood still on the Lord's balcony, head buried in his hands, letting the moment sink in. For him, this wasn't just about cricket — it was about years of personal sacrifice, leadership under pressure, and the long, painful wait of a nation craving a global title.advertisementSpeaking at the post-match press conference, Bavuma opened up about the depth of emotion he felt when Kyle Verreynne hit the winning runs for the Proteas.. He admitted he had mentally flashed back through the struggles of the past few years — from South Africa's repeated heartbreaks at major tournaments to the immense expectations placed on him as captain. After their T20 World Cup final loss to India in 2024, this victory marked a powerful turnaround.SA vs AUS, WTC Final: Highlights
"I think when he (Kyle Verreynne) scored the runs, I kind of had my head in my hands. I guess I was just trying to embrace and acknowledge what we had just done. In that moment, I thought about the experiences I've had over the last couple of years," Temba said in the post-match press conference.advertisementFor Bavuma, this wasn't just a captain's triumph. It was a deeply personal milestone as the first Black South African to lead his country to an ICC trophy. He spoke of what it meant to be recognised not just for his race, but for his leadership and contribution to the team's historic success. The pride, he said, wasn't just his own — it was something he hoped would resonate across the country and inspire future generations."It hasn't been easy. It's not easy being the captain of South Africa. And all the sacrifices, all the disappointments — in that moment, it really felt worth it. When you're going through it all, giving up is always an option. It's always there, at the back of your mind. But something pushes you on. And for me, it was that moment there," Bavuma said."To be recognised as more than just the Black African cricketer — to be seen as someone who's done something the country has wanted — that means a lot. That's something I'll definitely walk around with, with my chest out. And again, I can only hope that it inspires, and continues to inspire, our country," he added.On the field, Bavuma played a captain's knock in the fourth innings, scoring a fighting 66 off 134 deliveries despite battling a hamstring strain. His gritty stand was part of a match-defining 147-run partnership with Aiden Markram, who produced a magnificent century in one of the greatest redemption stories in South African cricket.South Africa's successful chase of 282 — the second-highest ever in the fourth innings at Lord's — was built on all-round brilliance. Kagiso Rabada led the charge with nine wickets across the match, ably supported by Marco Jansen and Lungi Ngidi, as Australia were bowled out for 207 in their second innings. From bowling discipline to batting composure, Bavuma's Proteas delivered a complete performance — and finally, a long-awaited moment of glory.Must Watch