Last Updated on 3 years by Charbel Coorey

Cricket News: Guys from different backgrounds now have a say – Temba Bavuma | Temba Bavuma praises inclusivity in the South Africa cricket setup

South African white-ball captain Temba Bavuma has claimed that the national team is set to move on from controversies and present their culture of ‘inclusiveness’ as it approaches a busy 2022-23 cricketing season

“It’s inclusive. When I say inclusive, I look at the leadership squad. You’ve got guys from different backgrounds, who come in with their different perspectives and guys are able to sit down on a table and share their ideas and whatever decision we make, it’s an encompassing one,” Bavuma spoke about the team culture in an interview with ESPNCricinfo.

He added, “It’s one that accommodates everyone. It’s not one that is biased to one specific group.”

We have had conversations on sensitive issues – Temba Bavuma

Bavuma says that the players have accepted each other’s gestures condemning racism and even explained taking the knee has become more about optics gradually. Moreover, the national team hasn’t been directed to take the knee in the upcoming season.

“It probably got to a point where, without being disrespectful to it, it was a bit more about optics more than anything. But I think within the team, there was a lot of growth, a lot of respect that guys started having within each other,” the 32-year-old told the aforementioned website.

Bavuma opened up that there’s an openness in the team now and that they have had sensitive conversations over this whole issue. He even went to the extent of saying that he doesn’t think that any other group would be having those discussions and still be in a place to play for each other on the ground.

“It’s an environment where it’s conducive for guys to play well and I’d like to think the younger guys that are coming in, feel as if they can come in and be themselves but most importantly, perform,” the skipper elaborated on the prevailing team environment.

Bavuma even touched upon the recent misconduct charges against head coach Mark Boucher and Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) subsequent withdrawal of the same. He expressed that there would be much greater relief now given that the team is now in a space where they can completely focus on cricket currently.

“I am sure the coach as well will look forward to being allowed to focus on his main job of coaching and being given the necessary support that he requires as a coach,” Bavuma signed off.

South Africa will begin preparations for the 2022 T20 World Cup campaign with a five-match series in India. They performed well despite the Quinton de Kock distractions in last year’s World Cup, where they ultimately just missed out on the Semi Finals despite winning four of their five group matches.