'He will have a point to prove' - Temba Bavuma on Quinton de Kock's return ahead of India ODIs

Temba Bavuma, who played an important role in the historic Test series victory against India, will be now be looking to lead his side in the Proteas colours for the upcoming three-match ODI series. The 31-year-old was delighted to see the return of Quinton de Kock into the side as the latter had recently announced his retirement in the longer format after the first Test. The wicketkeeper-batter has phenomenal numbers against India in South Africa at home and he will be looking to keep up his good record.

India might have missed the opportunity in Tests to win their first-ever Test victory on South African soil and they will be looking to make up for it with a dominating performance. KL Rahul will be leading the side in absence of Rohit Sharma and they do have some match-winners in the strong batting lineup. The first ODI is scheduled to take place at Boland Park in Paarl on the 19th of January.

Quinton will have a point to prove: Temba Bavuma

Bavuma noted that he is very much happy to welcome de Kock into the ODI squad after the latter’s sudden retirement in Tests and reckoned that the 29-year-old will have to make a big statement with the bat. He also explained his views on the upcoming talent in the left arm seamer Marco Jansen, who was brilliant in his debut Test series with 19 wickets to his name.

“It is good to see him again. We obviously missed him in the Test team but he has made his decision to retire from the longest format. We respect his decision. Having him back has been good. Quinton will have a point to prove and I am sure he is also as excited as we are to see him in the team.” Bavuma told in the press conference

“The world has seen what cricketing abilities he has and his X-factor ability. It was a no-brainer to get him into the white-ball squad.” Bavuma opined on Jansen

Bavuma mentioned that he expects the series to be a competitive one as India will come out all guns blazing after to make up for the Test series loss.

“We’re not expecting this one-day series to be easy. We know it’s going to be tough, especially considering the Test series. We will prepare as well as we can to make sure we are ready for when the challenge comes our way.” he added