South Africa Captain Bavuma Ruled Out Zimbabwe Tests; Maharaj Leads Team

South Africa captain Temba Bavuma has been ruled out of the upcoming two-match Test series against Zimbabwe due to a left hamstring strain sustained during the World Test Championship final against Australia. Despite continuing to bat through the injury in the final, Bavuma requires further scans to assess the injury's extent and will not participate in the Zimbabwe tour. In his absence, experienced left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj has been named interim captain for the series, which begins June 28 at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. Several senior players, including Aiden Markram, Kagiso Rabada, and others, have been rested, and five uncapped players have been included to provide exposure to new talent. The squad has been reduced to 15 members, with no replacement named for Bavuma. The series marks South Africa's first Test assignment following their WTC victory, and Maharaj will lead a relatively young team aiming to maintain the momentum.