'I want to make sure we are in best possible shape going into T20 World Cup' - South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma

South Africa captain Temba Bavuma has expressed that he is not going to pay much heed to all the outside noise surrounding him ahead of the upcoming three-match T20I series against India.

South Africa arrived in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala from Dubai in the early hours of Sunday, September 25 to lock horns with the hosts India, who recently defeated Australia 2-1 in a three-match T20I series at home. The skipper spoke about the tour and told that he will looking to regain his form after an injury layoff that kept him on the sidelines.

Bavuma opens up on India series

Temba Bavuma was snubbed at the recent SA 20 auction as none of the franchises showed enough interest in going after him. Moreover, the player had also endured an elbow injury that ruled him out of the recent England tour but is looking forward to regaining his form against India.

“My focus is on the team. I still have a role as the captain, and that is to lead and serve the team. My focus is on the World Cup and making sure we are in the best space possible going into that tournament. Everything else, I try not to give it too much attention and energy. At the moment, I am just trying to serve the team as best as possible,” said Bavuma in a press conference ahead of the first T20I.

“I’m here to make sure the guys are in the best space possible going into that big World Cup tournament. All the other distractions, side-shows, that’s stuff I will deal with on a personal level. But being here within the team, as long as I am still wearing the shirt, it will be to serve and lead the team,” he added.

The skipper further highlighted that the management will look to fill the gaps within the team during the course of the series. This would provide the side enough balance ahead the T20 World Cup 2022 scheduled to be played in Australia in October and November.

“This is our last series before the World Cup. We will be looking to fill whatever gaps there are within the team, we have guys who have been playing lots of cricket, so we will be trying to manage their intensity. And we have got guys who need some cricket under their belts, and we will be looking to give them an opportunity,” mentioned the South African skipper.