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As the ICC Cricket ODI World Cup 2023 kicks off, South Africa captain Temba Bavuma has candidly addressed the notorious “chokers” tag that has lingered over the Proteas since their return to international cricket in 1992.
Challenges over the years: Battling adversities
South Africa’s cricketing journey have been fraught with challenges, including navigating adverse weather conditions and grappling with sporadic lapses in composure, especially during pivotal moments when victory seemed imminent. Despite their undeniable talent, the Proteas have often faltered in crucial games and faced difficulties in reaching the finals of major ICC tournaments.
Out of their eight appearances in the 50-over mega event, South Africa have managed to secure a place in the semi-finals four times but have yet to clinch the coveted championship. The “chokers” label, symbolic of their perceived inability to deliver in high-pressure situations, continues to be associated with the team.
Temba Bavuma addresses the ‘chokers’ tag
Now, before the clash against Sri Lanka, Bavuma openly acknowledges that the infamous “chokers” tag won’t dissipate until the Proteas reach the finals of an ICC tournament. Despite the weight of history, Bavuma tactfully employs the term to serve as a motivational tool for his team.
“As a South African team, we know we’re going to have that chokers tag on our block, or that narrative that we have to get over. That’s always going to be there until we win a trophy. I think there are guys who believe that it applies to this team, there are guys who don’t believe that it applies to this team,” Bavuma said at the pre-match press conference.
“I have used that a couple of times. But you don’t really hear coming from the team. I think there are guys who believe that it applies to this team, there are guys who don’t believe that it applies to this team. The belief that happens among the players is important. I bring it up to just make sure that we are not kind of squirting around the issue. If there is some issue, you will have to deal with it and mentally make sure how you are gonna deal with it,” the 33-year-old added.
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Facing the challenge as underdogs
While South Africa enters the quadrennial event without the burden of favouritism, they don’t perceive this status as releasing them from pressure. Bavuma maintains that whether they are considered favourites or underdogs, it doesn’t significantly affect their approach to the tournament.
“I don’t think it really helps because we have our own pressures and expectations. If you’re favourites or not, it doesn’t really matter. I think the challenge for us will always be to go out there and play our best cricket,” the Cape Town-born cricketer concluded.
South Africa’s competitive edge
Despite the host team’s historical advantage, South Africa boasts a robust lineup of experienced batters, enriched by their Indian Premier League (IPL) exposure in Indian conditions. This familiarity provides them with a competitive edge, making them formidable contenders. Furthermore, South Africa’s ace in the hole is their formidable pace attack. Armed with lethal pacers, the Proteas have the ability to disrupt even the most formidable batting lineups, maintaining pressure throughout matches.
