'Clearly unfit and overweight to play': Herschelle Gibbs blasts South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma

Temba Bavuma's fitness has remained a concern for the South African team. The Proteas skipper had to leave the field due to a hamstring injury and Dean Elger has filled in his shoes as the stand-in captain. Elgar was also forced to miss a couple of matches in the recently concluded ODI World Cup too.

3 things you need to know

• Temba Bavuma injured his left hamstring on Day 1
• Dean Elger took over the captaincy from him
• Bavuma also endured a poor run in the ICC World Cup

Also Read: India vs South Africa 1st Test, Day 2 LIVE Score

Herschelle Gibbs slammed Temba Bavuma over fitness issue

While attempting to stop a Virat Kohli shot, Bavuma injured himself and later it was discovered he suffered a left hamstring strain. Cricket South Africa provided an update that the player will undergo regular medical evaluations to find out the extent of his injury and whether he will be able to take any part in the match. 

Former South African opener Herschelle Gibbs took to social media to slam the South African captain. Gibbs raised questions over his fitness and insisted on how an unfit player can be allowed to participate in a Test match. He posted on X, “Ironic that the coach allows some players who are clearly unfit and overweight to play when he started off as proteas trainer in 2009.”

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Temba Bavuma had a disappointing ODI World Cup

Bavuma also injured his right hamstring during the World Cup and Aiden Markram stepped in his absence. Bavuma encountered a poor run of form in the tournament as they crashed out of the tournament in the semifinals. Subsequently, he also wasn't a part of the ODI squad against India as Markram led the Proteas in the 2-1 loss recently.

It remains to be seen whether Bavuma returns in this series as the Rohit Sharma-led side is scheduled to play one more Test against the South Africans.