Since South Africa began competing in the World Cups, they have struggled mightily or unfortuitously missed out on the hardware. Even though they have occasionally been one of the favorites to win the award, they rarely do.
The Proteas were cruising to victory in the 1992 World Cup and were almost guaranteed a spot in the finals, but owing to weather and technical difficulties with the transmission, they were ordered to chase an impossible 22 runs in only one ball in one of the most contentious cricketing moments.
The squad has historically fallen from winning positions numerous times, and their luck hasn’t really altered much. Because of this, South Africa has earned the reputation of being “chokers” in international cricket. The Proteas’ “chokers” epithet, according to flamboyant batsman David Miller, does not accurately describe them.
“I truly think we aren’t chokers. The impact of that tag varies from person to person, but it has never, ever affected me. I’m not just saying that, I promise. Undoubtedly, our performance in past games and in historical events has disappointed us. However, despite what everyone says, I would never argue that the term “chokers” applies to us.
David Miller told ESPNcricinfo, “I’ve never really believed that at all.
“I think our team is outstanding. Outside of the World Cup, cricket is still cricket, and games can be lost at any time. The game involves upsets. Simply ensuring that our crew is awake and alert is all that is required. In some games along the way, you do need luck. The scenario isn’t a chokers situation, though, he continued.
On October 7 at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium, South Africa will play its opening World Cup match versus Sri Lanka. Temba Bavuma is scheduled to miss the squad’s first game since he is returning home for family reasons. Notably, Anrich Nortje and Sisanda Magala have been ruled out of the competition, which is a huge blow for the team. As South Africa tries to win their first World Cup, Aiden Markram is in charge while he is away.