How Temba Bavuma learned to stop worrying and win the World Test Championship
Temba Bavuma’s resilient mental approach and ability to block out criticism have been pivotal in leading South Africa to a historic victory in the World Test Championship final against Australia. Picture: Michael Sherman/IOL
Image: Michael Sherman/IOL
It’s no secret that Temba Bavuma has been under more scrutiny than most during his Proteas career, and it’s his solid mental approach that has always ensured that he has continued to defy expectations.
One of those expectations was that the Proteas would be no match for Australia in the World Test Championship final.
As it turned out, South Africa were more than a match as they claimed an emphatic victory - their first in a major ICC tournament final for 27 years.
As a Black African and captain of South Africa, Bavuma has always been the first target for criticism, some fair but most not.
Bavuma’s Insights on Handling Criticism and Staying Positive
“For me, something that I’ve learned probably later on, is you’re not to let everything be personal,” said Bavuma at the KFC mini cricket annual seminar in Polokwane on Tuesday.
“I don’t take myself too seriously as well, so I think it helps dealing with whatever comes my way.
“I also try to focus on what I can control, and that really is what’s going on in my head and what’s going on in my heart. Everything else, if it doesn’t speak to that, I try not to give it much energy.”
Temba Bavuma on Blocking Out Negativity and Supporting His Team
The 35-year-old also revealed how he is able to block out the negativity in traditional and social media.
“I think nowadays, I mean, there’s a lot of fascination about what people are saying about you, and obviously socially that’s a big thing.
“If you, I guess if you give that the energy that it does, then it’s going to have some sort of control over you.”
As the Proteas skipper, Bavuma makes it his mission to help the younger members of his squad who are more exposed to social media.
“It’s not easy, right? You see how it affects certain guys within the change room, especially the younger guys.
“You try to be, you try to be there for those guys. But for me personally, I just try to focus on what I can. I stick to what’s happening inside me. I’ve got a certain level of ambition. I know what I want to achieve through the game of cricket, and I try to stick to that as much as I can.”