David Miller rubbishes chokers tag on South Africa
Ever since South Africa started playing in the World Cups, they have faltered multiple times or have been unlucky to miss out on winning the silverware. That is despite them being one of the favourites to lift the trophy on some ocassions.
In the 1992 World Cup, the Proteas were the cruising towards the victory line and were close to qualifying for the finals, however, due to rain and broadcasting issues, they were asked to chase an impossible 22 runs in just one ball in one of the most controversial cricketing moments.
Their luck has not changed much and the team has also lost from winning positions multiple times in history. Courtesy of the same, South Africa have got the tag of “chokers” in world cricket. However, flamboyant batter David Miller does not agree with that and feels that the chokers tag does not define the Proteas.
“I genuinely believe that we’re not chokers. How that tag affects people is an individual thing, but it’s never, ever bothered me. I’m honestly not just saying that. Obviously, there’s been history and there’s been games that we’ve not played well in that have let us down. But I would never say the ‘chokers’ tag applies to us, although that’s what everyone says. I’ve never really believed that at all,” Miller told ESPNcricinfo.
“I believe we’ve got a great team. At the end of the day, cricket is cricket and you can lose games from nowhere outside of the World Cup. Upsets are part of the game. It’s just about making sure that we’re switched on as a team. You do need luck in certain games along a journey. But I’d never say it’s a chokers kind of situation,” he added.
Meanwhile, South Africa will begin their 2023 World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka on October 7 at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Notably, Anrich Nortje and Sisanda Magala have been ruled out of the tournament and that is a massive blow for the team while Temba Bavuma is back home for family reasons and is expected to miss the opening game. In his absence, Aiden Markram is leading as South Africa attempt to win their maiden World Cup.
