Temba Bavuma has solidified his position as one of the greatest sporting leaders in South Africa's history by leading the team to their first major ICC title in the World Test Championship. Not only did Bavuma achieve what no South African captain had done before, but he also made history by becoming the most successful Test captain in the sport's history in their first 10 matches.
With a record of 9 wins and 1 draw in his first 10 matches as captain, Bavuma broke a century-old record previously held by English captain Percy Chapman. Chapman had nine wins but also a loss when he took over the English captaincy in 1926.
Under Bavuma's leadership, South Africa secured their eighth Test win in a row, marking his ninth win overall in his first 10 matches as captain. This remarkable feat has placed Bavuma at the top of the historic list of Test captains.
Leading South Africa to victory over Australia in the World Test Championship title match, Bavuma proved his mettle as a captain and silenced any doubts about his capabilities. His team's triumph over the mighty Australians at an ICC tournament further solidified his legacy as a remarkable leader for the Proteas.
Bavuma Surpasses Ponting, Kohli, and Dhoni
In achieving this historic milestone, Bavuma surpassed the records of other renowned captains like Ricky Ponting, Virat Kohli, and MS Dhoni. Ponting, who led a dominant Australian team, had 8 wins, a draw, and a loss in his first 10 matches as captain, while Kohli had 6 wins, 3 draws, and 1 loss, and Dhoni had 5 wins and 5 draws.
Despite facing challenges with an evolving South African team, Bavuma's leadership has transformed them into a winning machine. His courageous performance, including a crucial 66 runs in the match against Australia at Lord's, despite battling a hamstring injury, exemplifies his dedication and determination to lead his team to victory.
By overcoming their mental barriers and securing a historic win, Bavuma has left an indelible mark on South African cricket, ensuring that his legacy will be remembered for years to come.
Source: Hindustan Times