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De Villiers Compares Bavuma To Dhoni, Says He's Surprised By His Success
Follow UsDe Villiers explained that Bavuma doesn’t fit the conventional image of a commanding, imposing leader, yet has proved that those qualities are not essential for success
South Africa’s Test captain Temba Bavuma has emerged as one of the most successful leaders in world cricket, winning 11 of his first 12 Tests in charge and drawing the other. It is an unbeaten run that includes a historic 2–0 series victory in India and the 2025 World Test Championship title. His remarkable record has drawn praise from former captain AB de Villiers, who admitted that Bavuma’s impact as skipper has far exceeded his early expectations.
Speaking on R Ashwin’s YouTube show, de Villiers said he initially wasn’t sure Bavuma was the right choice when he became captain in 2023. “For the first few years after he was named captain, I was hesitant to say I was confident about the call. Maybe it comes back to the old phrase: you can’t judge a book by its cover,” he said, as quoted by India Today.
De Villiers explained that Bavuma doesn’t fit the conventional image of a commanding, imposing leader, yet he has proved that those qualities are not essential for success.
“He doesn’t look like this big Graeme Smith with the aura and intimidating presence,” he said.
“Temba is a small, soft-spoken guy; he hardly ever raises his voice. It shows you that different styles of captaincy can be successful.”
Drawing a parallel with MS Dhoni, de Villiers highlighted how both men have shown that calm leadership can be just as effective as forceful authority.
“I think it was similar with MS Dhoni back in the day. I hardly ever heard his voice. He was calm, didn’t speak much, but when he did, people listened.”
De Villiers said Bavuma’s success has surprised even him, especially considering how challenging it can be to lead South Africa through transitions. “It’s absolutely incredible,” he said. “He has taken me aback with the success he has achieved.”
Bavuma’s composed approach and sharp tactical instincts were central to South Africa’s recent triumph in India, which was their first Test series win there in 25 years. It was sealed with a record 408-run victory in Guwahati.