It will be hard for Temba Bavuma to be part of South African team even if he is fit: Aakash Chopra

South Africa suffered a shock defeat against the Netherlands but they have been excellent on either side of that game in the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023. On October 24, the Proteas produced a sensational batting performance against Bangladesh in Mumbai to post a massive 382/5 in their 50 overs. Quinton de Kock was the star of the show as he amassed 174 runs off 140 deliveries while Heinrich Klaasen and stand-in skipper Aiden Markram also registered half-centuries and Bangladesh were bowled out for 233 in reply.

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra heaped praise on the South African batters and opined that regular captain Temba Bavuma, who missed the last couple of games due to a stomach problem, will find it difficult to get his spot back in the playing XI.

“Quinton de Kock is batting on another level and the best thing about his play style, compared to other batters, is that he always plays for the team. One can never say that he is being selfish, he is just so clinical that he does not stop putting runs on the board,"Chopra said while hosting JioCinema’s daily sports show ‘#AAKASHVANI'.

"We also saw Aiden Markram who provided stability on the other end with De Kock and led the South African side quite well. I believe that it will be hard for Temba to be part of this team even if he’s fit. On the other hand, Heinrich Klassen gave an extremely explosive performance smashing 90 runs off just 49 balls – this was even after he was consistently giving the strike to De Kock!” he added.

This might be the best fast bowling unit in this tournament under lights: Aakash Chopra

The 46-year-old gave his take on the South African fast bowling attack and lauded the talented young duo of Gerald Coetzee and Marco Jansen, who have done exceedingly well in the World Cup.

“Lungi Ngidi did not play and instead Lizaad Williams was given a chance who is a very consistent wicket-taking bowler. And I honestly think under lights this might be the best fast bowling unit in this tournament," Chopra said.

"Gerald Coetzee has made everyone forget that Anrich Nortje is not playing, and we all know what a world-class bowler Nortje is. I also want to commend Marco Jansen, who somehow always gets wickets regardless of the conditions and situation," he added.

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