David Bedingham, the South African cricketer who recently made his debut against India at Centurion, revealed the unique inspiration behind his cricketing journey. Unlike many aspiring cricketers, Bedingham’s idols weren’t just international stars; they were individuals he admired for their technique, especially during tough times.
Bedingham expressed his admiration for the South African greats but disclosed that it was two Indian batters who played a pivotal role in shaping his formative years. “When I was 15, or 18, I was definitely trying to mould my technique on theirs. If I had a bad game, I would change my technique to try to copy Kohli’s style, and if I failed again I would try Rohit’s,” he said as quoted by The Hindu.
Now, Bedingham finds himself not just watching but competing against his teenage idols, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. “Having watched them and now having this chance to play against them is special,” he remarked, looking ahead to the upcoming second Test at home.
Despite once representing Durham amid talks of playing for England, Bedingham clarified that his journey was driven by love and passion rather than a desire to switch national teams. “I think it was just love and work for me, rather than wanting to play for England,” he affirmed.
Reflecting on his Test debut, which saw him score a composed 56 runs and form a crucial partnership with Dean Elgar, Bedingham stated, “If it happened three years ago, or if it happened a week ago, it is fine with me.” His experience in First-Class cricket helped him keep his emotions in check during the Test match, showcasing his mental resilience.
Bedingham’s journey is a testament to the power of passion and dedication in shaping a cricketer’s career, and his unique inspirations remind us that heroes can come from unexpected places.
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