Temba Bavuma and Kagiso Rabada have been rested from the upcoming Proteas One-Day International (ODI) series against India which starts on 10 December.
Bavuma, who struggled during the ICC Cricket World Cup which concluded last month, will not feature in the short format of the game against India but will be available for the Test series.
ALSO READ: Cricket World Cup: Proteas eliminated by Australia
ALSO READ: CSA release statement on Bavuma’s injury and chances of him playing in semis
Proteas coach Rob Walter said the World Cup took a mental toll on the Proteas captain.
Bavuma will be available for the Test series later in December
“Temba’s been phenomenal throughout the year, but there’s a mental toll in terms of the pressures of a World Cup,” said Walter as per SA Cricket Magazine.
ALSO READ: “They wanted Bavuma to be the Kolisi of cricket” – fans react after Proteas WC exit
“For him to step away for a while and prioritise being ready for the Test series is important to us. In fact, we want all of our key players to be in the best shape for that series and that drove our decision-making.
“It may seem a progressive decision, but it was actually an easy call to make. All three of us [Walter, Bavuma and Test coach Shukri Conrad] were on the same page. We didn’t deliberate long – it was the right thing to do for Temba and his cricket,” Walter said.
ALSO READ: BREAKING: Bavuma selected to play in semis, wins the toss
T20I captain Aiden Markram will captain the ODI side in Bavuma’s absence.
ALSO READ: Cricket World Cup: Could rain send Proteas straight into final?
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY ELIOT MAHLASE