Temba Bavuma Injury Blow, Quinton de Kock Back for Pakistan Series
The Temba Bavuma calf strain has ruled the South African captain out of the Pakistan Test series. He picked up the injury during the recent England tour and now needs six to eight weeks to recover. Aiden Markram will step in as Test captain. Meanwhile, the Quinton de Kock ODI retirement reversal has lifted South Africa’s white-ball squads for the Pakistan tour.
Temba Bavuma Calf Strain and Its Impact on Pakistan Tests
South Africa begins its World Test Championship defence without Bavuma. The Temba Bavuma calf strain keeps him out of both Tests against Pakistan. Head coach Shukri Conrad said the team’s focus is to prepare him for the India series in November. Simon Harmer returns as extra spin cover, while Keshav Maharaj joins from the second Test after recovering from a groin issue.
Quinton de Kock ODI Retirement Reversal Strengthens White-Ball Squads
The Quinton de Kock ODI retirement reversal comes less than a year after he left the format following the 2023 World Cup. He will now play in both the ODI and T20I squads against Pakistan, along with a one-off T20I in Namibia. Conrad explained that talks with de Kock showed his hunger to serve South Africa again. His comeback adds stability and proven match-winning ability.
Stand-In Captains for White-Ball Formats
With senior players given a break, new leaders step forward. David Miller takes charge of the T20Is, while Matthew Breetzke will captain the ODI side. Donovan Ferreira leads the one-off Namibia T20I, a move that reflects South Africa’s push to expand its leadership pool.
Squad Depth Ahead of Pakistan Tour
The Test squad still carries its championship-winning core, including Markram, Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, and Wiaan Mulder. The white-ball squads mix seasoned names with fresh faces, with Quinton de Kock’s ODI return dominating headlines. The Temba Bavuma calf strain leaves a temporary leadership gap, but South Africa heads into the Pakistan series with balance and renewed depth across formats.
