Photo via The Times of India

'I try to emulate his technique': Bavuma reveals Sachin Tendulkar influence

Following a massive century in the second Test match against Australia, South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma credited legendary Indian batter Sachin Tendulkar for shaping his batting stance and approach. Bavuma notched a career-best 179 runs from 334 deliveries, lifting his side from a precarious 110-6 to a total of 425-9 before a declaration was called.

He explained that his smaller stature required extreme efficiency in footwork, noting that he consciously attempts to strike deliveries closely positioned to his torso just like his childhood idol.

The captain surpassed his previous top Test score of 172 achieved against the West Indies in 2023, admitting the knock was especially rewarding after struggling to find any batting rhythm through the preceding one-day international series and the opening Test. Support arrived down the order via Marco Jansen and Simon Harmer, who contributed 85 and 82 runs respectively, with Harmer and Bavuma combining for a crucial 183-run partnership that completely rescued the innings.

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The Sachin Tendulkar touch behind Temba Bavuma’s epic 179-run grind against Australia in Gqeberha