South Africa have been carrying the ‘chokers’ tag ever since that 1999 ODI World Cup semi-final defeat to Australia. They remain one of the strongest teams around and enter world cup tournament tournament as one of the favourites but are yet to win a title.
On Saturday, they have a chance to get rid of the C-word for good as they face India in the final of the 2024 T20 World Cup in Barbados.
Also Read: IND vs SA T20 World Cup Final
Former South Africa captain Dean Elgar isn’t surprised at the Aiden Markram-led side qualifying for the final but warned them they will be up against a ruthless India whom he considers start the final as the favourites.
“I haven’t been surprised at all that they (South Africa) are in the final,” Elgar wrote in his column for The Indian Express. “The talent speaks for itself, and I know this is a pretty confident team. I hope they can embrace and appreciate the feeling of being in a World Cup final.”
He continued, “India do start as favourites, but like South Africa’s there are a couple of batting form worries in the Indian team too. Taking out Rohit Sharma early would be key and hope Virat continues to have another bad day!”
Elgar lavish high praise on India captain Rohit Sharma who he thinks takes the initiative and sets the template he wants his teammates to follow.
“I have known Ro (Rohit) for years now, and I have always sensed that he is sort of a player who likes to lead from the front,” Elgar wrote. “Not just talk, but walk the talk and show others. He has respect for that trait from players from other countries. The way he has personally gone relentlessly after bowling from the start is a result of that trait; it would have been understandable if he had held himself back a touch, but that won’t be the Ro I know.”
“He doesn’t want others to do the job for him, instead he is setting the template, the style of play he wants from India and by doing that personally, he is taking pressure off the team,” he added.
While Elgar is proud of South African team making it to their first ever world cup final, he does feel that their fans will not be happy unless they win the trophy.
The 1998 Knockout Trophy is the only ICC title that South Africa have won in their history.
“As a former captain, I feel very, very proud that this team has entered an ICC final after so many years. I think the monkey on the back has curbed a little bit by reaching the final but I know South African fans – they would only be completely happy if this team lifts that trophy. They are used to winning in Rugby and in sports and tend to expect and judge on that result,” Elgar said.
“I can sense mixed emotions amongst them. People closer to the cricketing group will have a lot of pride and the fans at large can be a bit difficult with the Proteas, because of the past. If we don’t win against this Indian team which can be ruthless and relentless in their pursuit of aggression, I think it will be pretty piss-poor of the public if they use that c-word against this group. The good thing about this team is that I genuinely feel that they still haven’t played their perfect game, yet,” he added.
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