Bavuma Excited To Play In 'Idol' Tendulkar's Den Wankhede 

image-lnzoaxz5A young Bavuma alongside Tendulkar [X.Com]

Usually one to keep his emotions in check, Temba Bavuma felt overwhelmed at the prospect of representing South Africa on the home turf of his idol Sachin Tendulkar for the next ICC World Cup 2023 game against England on Saturday (October 21). 

As Bavuma and company gear up to face the defending champions at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, the Proteas skipper revealed deep-felt love and admiration for the city and country's favourite son of the soil, disclosing how he grew up idolising the Master Blaster.

The Tendulkar factor aside, Bavuma expressed excitement about the idea of gracing the venue of the memorable 2011 World Cup finale and put into context the ground's coveted status and iconic nature for cricketers all over the globe. 

Bavuma Set To Embrace Idol Tendulkar's Home Turf 

Apart from its critical nature and potential influence on the gradually intensifying tussle for the four semifinal slots, the England-South Africa clash is also much-anticipated because of the aesthetics of the ground that will witness the important World Cup 2023 game. It will be the first match of the tournament to be played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. 

"Yeah, I think for me, growing up, idolizing a guy like Sachin Tendulkar, Wankhede was a stadium you always heard about. So, to have that opportunity to be playing, that's another tick off my list as a cricketer," Bavuma told the press. 

"The guys that have played here, JP Duminy, Quinton, they've spoken about how it can be a batter’s paradise. You get value for your shots and the ball seems to travel further."

The great batting conditions that the Wankhede entails also make the upcoming fixture a keenly awaited affair for both sides. England and South Africa both have a slightly weaker bowling suit and thus depend heavily on their much-vaunted batting unit to put the opposition under pressure. 

"I think as batters it can build a lot of confidence. And if it is your day, you can fill your boots. And I guess just the atmosphere of it all, it being a full ground, it can really be something to enjoy."

Coming into this game on the back of a shocking loss against The Netherlands, South Africa will be eager to get back to winning ways.