Bavuma ‘not disturbed’ by key players leaving for IPL after second Pakistan ODI

South Africa captain Temba Bavuma is unfazed by the departure of some the team’s key players after the second one-day international (ODI) against Pakistan, for the Indian Premier League, ahead of the upcoming series.

These include players such as Kagiso Rabada (Dehli Capitals), Quinton de Kock (Mumbai Indians), Lungi Ngidi (Chennai Super Kings), David Miller (Rajasthan Royals) and Anrich Nortje (Dehli Capitals). These players were already not part of Proteas squad for the upcoming T20I series against Pakistan. A contract with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been cited as a reason for their non-inclusion.

“It's not as disturbing now that we are aware of the arrangement that is in place,” said Bavuma, during a virtual press conference on Monday.

“For the first two games, we have got all our best players. It’s important that we get positive results. That’s not to say we are conceding the result in the third game. We believe we have got worthy enough replacements. I don’t think it’s that disturbing and we respect the relationship between CSA and the BCCI,” he added.

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Bavuma, recently named the Proteas skipper in white-ball cricket, will lead the team to the 2021 and 2022 Twenty20 World Cups, as well as the 50-over World Cup in 2023, after replacing wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock.   

“The guys who are here can take comfort in the fact that the World Cup squads will be coming from this group, so it’s important that guys acknowledge that there is an opportunity and that they know where they can fit in within that squad,” he said. “My message to the young guys is that the opportunity is there and make sure you keep churning out those performances.”

The first ODI of the series will be played on Friday, April 2.