Temba Bavuma is a renowned South African cricketer, recognized for his exceptional batting skills and leadership abilities. He made history by becoming the first Black African to be appointed as South Africa’s permanent captain across all formats. Over the years, Bavuma has played crucial innings in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, strengthening South Africa’s middle order. Apart from cricket, he has a deep interest in golf and business, making him a multifaceted personality both on and off the field.
Early Life and Family
Temba Bavuma was born on May 17, 1990, in Langa, Cape Town, South Africa. He grew up in a sports-loving family that supported his passion for cricket. His parents, Phumza Bavuma and Vuyo Bavuma, played significant roles in shaping his career. While his mother worked in the petroleum and energy sector, his father was involved in journalism.
Bavuma was not the only child in his family. He has a brother, Phola Bavuma, and a sister, Phila Bavuma. From a young age, he was interested in multiple sports, including cricket, tennis, soccer, and rugby. His journey toward professional cricket began when he moved to Johannesburg at the age of 12. Under the guidance of his uncles, he started taking cricket seriously, eventually paving his way into professional leagues.
Education
Temba Bavuma’s educational journey reflects his commitment to both academics and sports. He attended several prestigious schools before pursuing higher education:
- South African College Junior School, Newlands
- Fourways High School, Sandton (Ages 7-12)
- St David’s Marist, Inanda (Matriculated in 2007)
For his higher studies, he initially enrolled in the University of Johannesburg, where he started a B.Com in Financial Management. However, after 1.5 years, he left the program but later resumed his studies at the University of South Africa (UNISA) and successfully completed his B.Com in Financial Management in 2014.
Cricket Career
Domestic Career
Bavuma’s professional cricket journey began with Soweto Cricket Club before he made his first-class debut for Gauteng on October 2, 2008. He then played for multiple domestic teams, showcasing his potential as a strong batsman:
- Lions
- Cape Cobras
- Jozi Stars
- Durban Heat
In 2019, he played county cricket for Northamptonshire, further enhancing his experience. He also participated in the SA20 League in 2023, playing for Sunrisers Eastern Cape.
International Career
Test Cricket
Bavuma made his Test debut on December 26, 2014, against West Indies. He soon proved his mettle by scoring his first Test century (102 runs) against England in January 2016. One of his most remarkable performances came in March 2023, when he scored his highest Test score of 172 runs against West Indies.
One Day Internationals (ODIs)
- Bavuma made his ODI debut on September 25, 2016, against Ireland.
- He made an impressive impact by scoring a century (113 runs) on debut, becoming the second South African player to achieve this feat.
- On March 4, 2021, he was appointed as South Africa’s ODI captain.
- He won the ODI Player of the Year award in 2023 at the Cricket South Africa (CSA) Awards.
T20 International Career
- Made his T20I debut on September 18, 2019, against India.
- Scored his first T20I half-century (72 runs off 51 balls) against Ireland on July 24, 2021.
- Led South Africa as captain in the 2021 and 2022 T20 World Cups.
Temba Bavuma’s Playing Style
Bavuma is a right-handed batsman known for his solid technique, patience, and ability to build innings under pressure. His height of 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm) is shorter than most international cricketers, but he has overcome this with remarkable agility and shot selection. Additionally, he is a right-arm medium pace bowler, though he is primarily known for his batting prowess.
Awards and Achievements
Temba Bavuma has received multiple accolades for his performances:
- South African Cricket Annual Cricketer of the Year
- Award of Excellence at the Cricket South Africa’s Awards
- First Black African to be appointed South Africa’s permanent captain
- ODI Player of the Year Award (2023)
Personal Life
Temba Bavuma is a private individual, but his personal life has been of interest to many fans. He married his long-time girlfriend, Phila Lobi, on August 25, 2018, in a grand wedding at The Conservatory, Franschhoek, South Africa.
Outside of cricket, Bavuma enjoys golf, traveling, and watching sports. He is a big fan of professional golf and closely follows tournaments like the PGA Tour, Majors, and Sunshine Tour.
Net Worth and Luxury Lifestyle
As of 2025, Temba Bavuma’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million (INR 40 crores). His earnings come from:
- South African Cricket Board contracts
- T20 league contracts (Mzansi Super League, SA20 League, etc.)
- Brand endorsements
Bavuma enjoys a luxurious lifestyle and owns high-end cars like:
- Ford Mustang GT
- Audi TT Sports
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Social Media Presence
Bavuma maintains an active presence on social media, sharing cricket updates, personal insights, and training moments with his fans:
- Instagram: @tbavuma – 250K+ followers
- Twitter: @TembaBavuma – 180K+ followers
- Facebook: Temba Bavuma – 100K+ followers
Controversies and Viral Moments
1. Altercation with Virat Kohli (2022)
During an ODI match against India in January 2022, Bavuma had an on-field altercation with Virat Kohli. The incident, where Bavuma threw the ball away in frustration, was widely covered by the media.
2. Sleeping During Captain’s Day (2023)
Ahead of the 2023 ODI World Cup, Bavuma was caught on camera napping during a press event. The image went viral, leading to mixed reactions from fans and critics.
Conclusion
Temba Bavuma’s journey from a young cricket enthusiast in Langa to becoming South Africa’s captain is a story of perseverance and hard work. Despite facing challenges, he has remained a dependable batsman and leader. His achievements in international cricket, combined with his influence as a trailblazer for Black African cricketers, make him one of the most inspiring figures in South African sports.
As he continues his career, Bavuma remains a key player for South Africa, and his story will serve as motivation for future generations of cricketers.
FAQs
1. How tall is Temba Bavuma?
- Bavuma is 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm) tall.
2. Who is Temba Bavuma’s wife?
- His wife is Phila Lobi.
3. When was Temba Bavuma appointed as South Africa’s captain?
- On March 4, 2021, he became ODI and T20I captain.
4. What is Bavuma’s highest Test score?
- His highest Test score is 172 runs against West Indies (March 2023).
5. What is Temba Bavuma’s net worth?
- As of 2025, his net worth is $5 million (INR 40 crores).
Join us for Free prediction and More information about cricket join us on our Telegram channel
Karoline Leavitt Biography: Age, Height, Husband, Family & More