Temba Bavuma feels excited to play at 'idol' Sachin Tendulkar's homeground
On Saturday, the tournament kicks off at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium and Bavuma can't wait to take the field there, his idol Sachin Tendulkar's homeground.
Khan Mutasim Billah LifeEditor
Posted - 2023-10-21T08:56:49+06:00
Updated - 2023-10-21T08:56:49+06:00
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma is excited to face England in a crucial ICC Men's Cricket World Cup match at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai since the venue holds special meaning for him.
On Saturday, the tournament kicks off at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium and Bavuma can't wait to take the field there, his idol Sachin Tendulkar's homeground.
“I think for me, growing up, idolising a guy like Sachin Tendulkar, Wankhede was a stadium you always heard about. So, to have that opportunity to play here, that's another tick off my list as a cricketer. “The guys that have played here, JP Duminy, Quinton de Kock, have spoken about how it can be a batter’s paradise. You get value for your shots and the ball seems to travel further.
“So, 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.”
The Proteas captain thinks it's exciting that two of the tournament's heavy hitters are going to a high-scoring stadium seeking to make a statement.
“I think if I was a cricket fan, I'd want to be watching South Africa versus England. I think it will be a tightly contested game. It'll be an exciting game. Both teams, I guess, will be looking to prove themselves, if I could say that. There'll be individuals in both camps who are wanting to put their hand up for the team. So, if I was a fan, I'd definitely want to come and watch,” Bavuma added.