Bullish Boucher backs Bavuma to the hilt, reiterates value: 'He's our leader, simple as that'

In a rare glimpse of ferocity, Proteas Mark Boucher left little room for doubt over Temba Bavuma's standing in the national team.

The 32-year-old limited overs skipper has endured a tough week after being left unsold at the SA20 players auction, leading to self-admitted feelings of "disappointment" and vociferous debate over whether the franchise erred in not picking him up.

Yet Boucher, known for his forthright manner, emphatically stated that Bavuma is the Proteas' unequivocal leader and valued member, while imploring the broader cricketing community to draw a distinction between T20 leagues and international cricket.

"First of all, I wasn't involved in that, unfortunately. Nor am I involved in any coaching in the tournament," he said on Thursday, on the eve of South Africa's departure for a white-ball tour to India. 

"But one thing that I can say is that leagues come and go. I have full respect for the new T20 league that's been formed. I understand its importance to South African cricket, that it's needed and all that type of stuff.

"However, let's separate the national team from the league. Temba Bavuma is our leader and I back him 100%. Yes, there's a lot of talk in social media and stuff about this and that. I don't care, to be honest with you."

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South Africa's enlarged squad has been in an informal camp for the past two days in Cape Town and immediately rallied around their captain.

"He's our leader and we back him like you can't believe," said Boucher.

"The guys were in each other's company last night, we were having a couple of drinks and I could just see the energy around him because his teammates understand what he's going though.