‘Achievement beyond most players’ wildest dreams’ - Temba Bavuma reflects on leading South Africa in 2023 ODI World Cup

The much anticipated ODI World Cup is just months away, and with the ICC (International Cricket Council) recently announcing the schedule for the competition, it was revealed that the World Cup will begin on October 5 with England and New Zealand facing each other at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

South Africa would be keen on breaking their World Cup curse as well. Led by Temba Bavuma, the side will take on the second team to qualify from the qualifiers in their first game of the tournament on October 7 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi.

Ahead of the marquee tournament, skipper Bavuma came forward to reflect on the honour of leading South Africa in the biggest international tournament in world cricket. Despite their track record, Bavuma believes that the side has what it takes to go all the way.

"Representing your country in a Cricket World Cup is a dream come true for any player, but to captain your country on cricket’s biggest stage is an achievement beyond most players’ wildest dreams."

"This will be my first 50-over Cricket World Cup, and I am humbled to be entrusted with the job of leading the group of men we will have come September, the road to success is never linear, and we’ve definitely had our ups and downs on the road to qualification, but the important thing is that we have made it and we are in it to win it," Temba Bavuma told the ICC.

This is going to be an exciting World Cup for everyone involved: Bavuma

Furthermore, Bavuma also reflected on how excited he was over leading South Africa in the World Cup, and he hoped that he could lead the side to title glory. 

"I’m looking forward to the showpiece that the tournament is guaranteed to be and hope to lead South Africa to historical achievements. This is going to be an exciting World Cup for everyone involved," Bavuma said.

"With India as hosts, we as players know the kind of fanfare, noise, and festive energy we can expect from fans in and out of the stadiums. It’s going to be a carnival of cricket like no other and definitely a World Cup we are looking forward to taking part and excelling in," he concluded.