Temba Bavuma on Kagiso Rabada: Support Comes Before Captaincy

Proteas captain Temba Bavuma has publicly defended fast bowler Kagiso Rabada after the latter served a one-month suspension for testing positive for a banned recreational drug earlier this year.

Rabada’s drug test – taken out of competition during the SA20 in January – returned a positive result for what is believed to be cocaine. The 29-year-old pacer was notified of the result on April 1 while representing the Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Shortly thereafter, he left India and returned home to South Africa, citing “personal matters.” It was later confirmed that he had begun serving a suspension imposed by the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS), in accordance with World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) protocols.

Friendship Over Leadership

In a world where athletes are often judged harshly for their missteps, Bavuma took a compassionate stance, stressing that empathy must come before condemnation.

“Our friendship comes first, and I will be a captain later,” Bavuma said in an interview with SportsBoom.co.za. “We need to understand the human behind this.”

Bavuma acknowledged that Rabada’s actions were wrong but urged the public to see the bigger picture – that elite athletes, despite their fame and status, are still human beings.

“People who have their own skeletons in the closet have been quick to point fingers,” Bavuma added. “Yes, we are role models, but we also have flaws. People shouldn’t be so quick to celebrate when we make mistakes.”

Image 1: Circle of Cricket

Also read: Kagiso Rabada Tested Positive for Cocaine: Inside the Controversy and What Comes Next

Criticism and Controversy

Rabada’s case has stirred debate globally. Critics, including former Australian captain Tim Paine, questioned the delayed disclosure of the failed drug test, suggesting it lacked transparency. Paine called the situation “suspicious” and said the handling of the matter “stinks.”

Nevertheless, Bavuma’s response stood out as measured and supportive.

“KG is a close friend, and I’ve been there for him as much as he’s needed,” the Proteas captain said.

Focus on Healing and the Future

With Rabada eligible to return, Bavuma says there are no concerns about reintegrating him into the national setup ahead of South Africa’s appearance in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final against Australia at Lord’s next month.

“I’m happy with the disciplinary process,” Bavuma explained. “From a captaincy point of view, I’m focused on the person – making sure he gets the support he needs.”

More than tactics and selection, Bavuma believes the priority is Rabada’s personal well-being.

“My biggest concern is for him personally – that he can deal with this and come out stronger. International sport is brutal. You’re always under the microscope, and sometimes it’s more about survival than performance.”

Lessons from the Past

Bavuma also drew parallels with Rabada’s controversial suspension during the 2018 Test series against Australia, where he missed two matches for a minor on-field incident involving Steve Smith.

“KG has accepted his mistake. Now it’s about asking why he ended up in that situation. Is there something deeper that needs to be addressed?” Bavuma said. “We’ve seen this before – he’s passionate, sometimes misunderstood, but he always bounces back.”

South Africa won that 2018 series 3-1, with Rabada playing a pivotal role in the matches he was allowed to participate in despite a brief suspension. Bavuma hopes for a similar comeback story in 2025.

Image 2: News24

Also read: Kagiso Rabada Faces R23-Million Loss After IPL Drugs Ban

As South Africa gears up for the WTC Final, all eyes will be on Rabada – not just for his bowling, but for how he navigates this personal chapter. In a time when public figures are often torn down for their flaws, Bavuma’s leadership offers a reminder: accountability and compassion can, and should, coexist.

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com

Source:Sports Boom

Featured Image: The Mail & Guardian