In a recent development, former South African opener Herschelle Gibbs criticized current Test captain Temba Bavuma for his fitness after Bavuma sustained a hamstring injury while fielding in the Boxing Day Test against India.
Gibbs, in a social media post, labeled Bavuma as unfit and overweight for international play.
Bavuma’s injury occurred during the 20th over while attempting to stop a shot by Virat Kohli. This incident exacerbated concerns as Bavuma had been dealing with a right hamstring issue from a previous match. Following the injury, Dean Elgar assumed captaincy.
“Ironic that the coach allows some players who are clearly unfit and overweight to play when he started off as proteas trainer in 2009,” Gibbs posted on his official X handle.
Despite Bavuma’s setback, Kagiso Rabada’s outstanding bowling performance, resulting in his first five-wicket haul against India, provided a silver lining for South Africa. Rabada’s achievement also placed him among seven South African cricketers with 500 international wickets.
While Rabada’s prowess pressured India, KL Rahul’s resilient half-century helped them reach 208 for 8 by the end of Day 1. The stage is set for an intriguing continuation of the Test match between South Africa and the world’s number 1 Test team on Day 2.
