South Africa batter David Bedhingham said he idolise local hero Jacques Kallis and Herschelle Gibbs when he grew up watching the star cricketers ply their trade for the Proteas before he found Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s techniques fascinating as a teenager.

The 29-year-old said Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are his favourite cricketers and that he tried to copy their techniques at one point in his career.

David Bedingham made his Test debut in the Boxing Day encounter against India in Centurion in December 2023 and impressed with a fifty on debut in their innings and 32-run win.

“My two favourites among Indian players are Sharma and Kohli. I think when I was between 13-18, I was trying to mould my technique like theirs (Kallis and Gibbs) and when I had a bad game, I changed my technique to copy Kohli’s or try probably Sharma’s,” Bedingham told PTI news agency ahead of the New Year’s Test in Cape Town.

At the age of 21, when his career was just taking off, Bedingham faced a life-altering challenge. In 2016, he was involved in a car accident that threatened to derail his promising journey, sidelining him for close to a year.

Despite the physical and emotional toll, Bedingham refused to let the incident define his future. With unwavering resolve, he made a powerful comeback, proving his mettle on the cricket field. His return to the sport saw him become a mainstay for Western Province, where he solidified his reputation as a reliable right-hand batsman and wicket-keeper. His tenacity and skill also earned him a place in English county cricket, playing for Durham.

CONVERSATIONS WITH BEN STOKES

Bedingham knocked on the door of the selectors, amassing over 6000 runs across 89 games over his first-class career.

Bedhingham recalled his conversations with England Test captain Ben Stokes during his stint with Durham, saying they helped him get a taste of a champion’s mindset.

“I think we talked a lot. I think he refrained from talking about cricket a lot. He spoke about dealing with pressures, speaking to a world-class player like him did help handle the pressure better during the first Test,” Bedingham said.

Bedingham will be playing a Test at his home ground, the Newlands and he is chuffed to wear the national cap in front of his family and well-wishers, saying there has been a lot of demand for tickets.

South Africa will look to seal a series sweep when the two teams meet in the Cape Town Test, starting January 3.