WTC Champion Captain Temba Bavuma Ruled Out; Keshav Maharaj to Lead in Zimbabwe Test Series

South Africa will be without their Test captain, Temba Bavuma, for the upcoming two-match series against Zimbabwe after the 35-year-old suffered a left hamstring strain. The injury occurred during the final of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 at Lords', where Bavuma pushed through discomfort to contribute a match-winning second-innings fifty that helped South Africa secure the title.

Though he batted through pain, further assessment by the South African medical staff confirmed that Bavuma would not recover in time for the series in Bulawayo. As a result, the selectors have turned to Keshav Maharaj to lead the side in Bavuma’s absence.

This is the latest in a series of fitness concerns that have plagued Temba Bavuma. The timing is particularly frustrating for the right-hander, who is being hailed by the cricketing world after leading South Africa to their maiden WTC crown.

Also read: IND vs ENG 2025: "That Side Became A Mirror Image Of Virat Kohli" - Nasser Hussain On His Legacy As Test Captain

Keshav Maharaj To Lead as Temba Bavuma Gets Ruled Out of Zimbabwe Tests

Keshav Maharaj, a left-arm spinner, now finds himself at the helm of a largely untested Test outfit. With several senior players being rested, this tour will see the introduction of five uncapped players.

Aiden Markram, Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs, all part of the WTC final XI that defeated Australia, have been rested.

Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Lesego Senokwane, Codi Yusuf, Dewald Brevis and Prenelan Subrayen are the uncapped names who have been selected and might make their Test debuts in the upcoming series versus Chevrons. Notably, Lungi Ngidi will only be available for the second fixture.

Before the WTC 2025 final, the South African side faced Zimbabwe in a warm-up match at Arundel Castle. Now these teams will meet in a two-match Test series, beginning June 28 at Queen's Sports Club in Bulawayo. The second Test will start on July 6.

Updated South Africa Squad for Zimbabwe Tests

Keshav Maharaj (c), David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Corbin Bosch, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Kwena Maphaka, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Lesego Senokwane, Prenelan Subrayen, Kyle Verreynne and Codi Yusuf.

Also read: ENG vs IND: “He Has to Lead From the Front” - Yograj Singh’s Advice to Shubman Gill