Ex-Protea speaks on Bavuma's struggles against Indian star

South African skipper Temba Bavuma endured a challenging series against India, which saw him accumulate just 61 runs from four innings at a strike rate of 103.38. However, the 32-year-old batter, who was predominantly a recognized red-ball cricketer, has been adapting to his new role as a T20I opener. 

Temba Bavuma's low strike rate is undoubtedly a cause for concern, given that it is the lowest among the opening batters of the top-ranked teams. Nevertheless, South African coach Mark Boucher is not too concerned about Bavuma's struggles during the recently concluded Indian tour. The former South African wicket-keeper believes that the team captain had a tough time against Bhuvneshwar Kumar, out of all the bowlers. 

The veteran Indian pacer kept the run rate under check in the opening few overs and also dismissed Temba Bavuma in one of the four ODIs. 

"Temba struggled during the tour. There's no doubt. But he only really struggled against one bowler, and that was [Bhuvneshwar] Kumar. Most of the guys struggled against him. So let's give him credit where it's due. Kumar is a fantastic bowler in those conditions," said Mark Boucher.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar was able to swing the ball both ways and was able to use the new ball with effect. Mark Boucher believes Temba Bavuma's performance against other bowlers was acceptable, and there is not much of an issue.

"To come into a series, T20, as an opening batter, you've got to go from the get-go; that was always going to be quite tough for him, especially against Kumar. With other bowlers, his strike rates are fine. There's no issue there," Boucher added.

Bavuma suffered an elbow injury in the fourth T20I against India, which ruled him out of the abandoned fifth T20I. However, Mark Boucher shared a positive update regarding Bavuma's recovery. 

"We were really worried after the actual injury because he couldn't bend his arm at all. But the next morning, he was able to bend it, so that was some good news," Boucher revealed.

South Africa will now travel to England for a two-month tour in July, which will see them compete in a three-match series, in all three formats of the game.