“People are a bit shallow in their view of Temba” – Rassie bats for Bavuma

Proteas batsman Rassie van der Dussen has come out to defend his captain Temba Bavuma following a poor 2023 World Cup campaign. 

Bavuma was heavily criticised for his performance having only managed 145 runs in 8 matches at an average of 18.13.

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The Proteas managed to reach the semi-final of the tournament and van der Dussen was one of the standout performers for South Africa.

He said Bavuma’s lack of form with the bat did not affect the team.

“As a team, it never affected us at all. There were no doubts in our minds that Temba needs to be in the team and is the captain, just on that basis alone the value that he adds is humungous.

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Rassie bats for Bavuma following WC criticism

“I think people are a bit shallow in their view. Obviously, you want all the guys doing well, but realistically that’s not going to happen too often, that’s why you have to function as a unit,” said van der Dussen.

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The 34-year-old is a teammate of Bavuma at the Lions and highlighted the fact that the skipper’s ODI average was over 50 when coming into the World Cup.

“Look at Temba’s ODI numbers, it will tell you a different story. If you can take a few innings in isolation for criticism, then you can also take this year in isolation and also his ODI career in isolation and look at those numbers,” van der Dussen was quoted on Sportskeeda.

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