Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma named one of TIME100 Most Influential Sports People

Simon Lewis

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Simon Lewis 3 hours ago

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South African cricket captain Temba Bavuma is one of Time’s most influential sports people for 2026.
Bavuma led South Africa to the World Test Championship in 2025.
The TIME100 Most Influential Sports People of 2026 is published annually by TIME.

Temba Bavuma raises the ICC World Test Championship trophy (Getty Images).

Temba Bavuma honoured by Time magazine

Time magazine have just published their annual TIME100 Most Influential Sports People edition and Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma has been included in the list of the world’s 100 most influential sports people.

Bavuma made his international debut in 2014 and over the past 13 years has risen to become one of the most respected figures in world cricket. Last year he led the Proteas to their first World Test Championship title as captain, which included two crucial innings in the final at Lord’s. As captain he boasts one of the strongest captaincy records in the modern game, winning 11 of his first 12 Tests as captain of South Africa.

One of the world's top Test batters

Bavuma also continues to rank among the world’s elite batters and is currently in seventh place on the ICC Test rankings.

“On behalf of Cricket South Africa and the entire cricketing fraternity, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Temba on this incredible and well-deserved recognition,” said Pholetsi Moseki, Cricket South Africa’s Chief Executive Officer.

“Being named among the TIME100 Most Influential People is a powerful acknowledgement of his impact globally, both on and off the field as he continues to inspire young cricketers and South Africans from all walks of life.

“Temba’s journey is one of perseverance and purpose, and we are immensely proud to see him receive acclaimed recognition for the influence he continues to have in shaping the future of the game and society,” added Moseki.