The Proteas' 224-run loss to Australia marked their biggest defeat at home in six years, with Bavuma admitting they had been completely dominated in Durban.
The one positive for the hosts, though, lies in Rabada and his mended hamstring.
The quick spent time bowling on the Kingsmead Stadium outfield this week, and looks set to play his first competitive game since May in Gqeberha from Sunday.
It was Rabada who was the Proteas' main weapon with the ball in the 2018 series against Australia, taking 23 wickets at 19.26 as South Africa won 3-1.
"KG looks good," Bavuma said.
"I think Super Sport (TV) kept showing him on the big screen bowling. He's as bubbly as ever within the changing room.
"His non-selection was more from a precautionary point of view given the extra couple of days. So he's got the extra couple of days.
"We'll see how he continues to improve. But KG, KG is very good."
How South Africa manage their line up on Rabada's return will be of interest.
Anrich Nortje appeared the only bowler to trouble Australia as the pitch got flatter in the second innings in Durban.
But he also got through 40 overs in his first long-form match since March 2023, to the point where fellow quick Wiaan Mulder predicted he'd not back up in Gqeberha.
Bavuma also admitted the twin-spin approach didn't work, with Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer taking four wickets for the match and going for 320 runs.
That, in part, was not helped by the Proteas' batting, which threw wickets away too often and looked every bit a team who had not played a Test since last November.
Bavuma refused to blame their poor showing on that on Tuesday, but conceded he himself had to be among the batters to stand up after scores of 3 and 1.
Notably, the right-hander's dismissals came reverse-sweeping in the first innings before being caught at bat-pad to part-timer Matt Renshaw late on day four.
"There were soft dismissals," Bavuma said.
"We could probably throw myself into that category. When you're playing against a top outfit all of those type of things get weeded out.
"It's a certain level of pressure that maybe some of the guys weren't really accustomed to. But the first game's out the way."
Beyond him, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs and Kyle Verreynne will enter Sunday's second Test if they all retain their spots.
"Going forward there are going to be conversations that need to happen," Bavuma said.
"Guys understand that that's just how professional, high level sport goes by.
"If you're not delivering the goods, if there is someone else who's waiting in the wings, they'll get that opportunity."
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