Actress Katharine Hepburn (1907-2003) and Actor Spencer Tracy (1900-1967) were a legendary Hollywood couple, both on and off-screen. There’s a famous anecdote about them that when they first met, Hepburn said, “I fear I may be too tall for you, Mr. Tracy” and the short statured Tracy replied, “Don’t worry, I’ll cut you down to my size.” Some say to that ‘Don’t mess with small sized men for they can be proud of their big hearts’ !
Beyond the fable of little David who slew the demon Goliath are real life stories of men born of short height or small physicality but who achieved giant stature in their domains that range from Emperor Napoleon to Comedian Charlie Chaplin to Soccer Icon Diego Maradona and Aussie Cricket legend Sir Don Bradman just to name a few. It’s the stuff that inspiring battles are made when one being smaller is labeled an underdog for his size when pitted against adversaries. It’s also figurative in a fight against the powerful.
Not many really knew much about the cricketer called ‘Temba Bavuma’, the short, low-profile and intrepid Proteas Captain till he led from the front playing a stellar role along-with ace batter Aden Markram to help SA win the 2025 Test World Cup against the mighty Aussies. Despite those who have questioned his lower batting average and being chosen as the Leader of SA team, their Selectors have reposed faith in him.
In the on-going First Test of the Series played against SA in Eden Gardens, the final day of reckoning came for the powerful Indian batting line-up needing just 124 runs to win. But by some inept display against quality spin bowling, albeit on a difficult track, our batters let down a vociferous 40,000 Kolkata crowd backing them all the way. The MOM was off spinner Harmer who out-thought us with his guile. Yet, it was Bavuma who had earlier steadied the SA ship with his gritty 55 n.o. and shown right application needed.
At the end of the match, Temba must have been happy yet there was no show of elation only quiet rectitude in true appreciation of his leadership role. Yes, his small stature has been scoffed with pics of him looking ridiculously small against Jansen who’s 6’7” but by the end it’s clear who the real leader of SA is. Pacer Bumrah created controversy with remarks on Temba in the middle & later showed sportsmanship by applauding Temba !
Apart from his on-field heroics, Temba’s quiet disposition and complete commitment should inspire our young star cricketers, for Test Cricket is all about grit & patience and different from the fast-lane of shorter formats. Old timers like me (who’ve been always taunted for being shorties !) but could wield a bat in our days are reminded of our idol, the classy Vishy of the 70s, who despite his short height made batting look a fine art ! Temba proved he’s a worthy adversary. We can’t take him or SA lightly in the 2nd Test !
Working on Living 