Bavuma must take criticism on the chin

Nobody likes to be criticised, but high-profile professional athletes have to get used to it. It's a part of the job.

- Wesley Botton

The public expectation on South African sports teams is always high, and the leaders of the various sides need to have a thick skin. They also need to be self-aware.

There's no argument about whether Temba Bavuma receives more criticism than most South African cricketers. He does, no doubt.

But Bavuma is widely recognised as one of the leaders of the sport, and he has captained South Africa in all three formats. He's also still the national Test captain.

As much as he has been recognised and praised for his leadership skills, however, Bavuma is first and foremost a batter, and if he goes through slumps he's going to get some flak.