"It would be very harsh if they use that word" - Elgar feels Markram and co. must not be called chokers if they lose T20 WC final
Former South Africa Test captain Dean Elgar has hailed Aiden Markram and company's unbeaten run in the 2024 T20 World Cup ahead of the final clash against India on Saturday, June 29. The Proteas made it to their first-ever World Cup final after defeating Afghanistan in the first semi-final in Trinidad.
South Africa topped the group stage and the Super 8 table with some memorable wins along the way, and the only thing that stands between them and the elusive trophy is an equally resurgent and vengeful Indian team. The South Africans have had several near misses along the way over the years, earning the tag of chokers.
"It would be very harsh if they use that word against this current group. Nothing in their last year or even 18 months has indicated that word to be used. They have been real good in white-ball cricket; the last ODI World Cup in India also was good though ultimately it didn’t go our way," Dean Elgar said in an interaction with the Indian Express.
With Quinton de Kock stepping up in the Super 8 stage, the bowling attack being as potent as possible, and Markram showcasing his ability to remain calm, South Africa have had an excellent run in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
"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. The good thing about this team is that I genuinely feel that they still haven’t played their perfect game, yet," Elgar added.
South Africa's journey to the final has been far from smooth following close shaves against Bangladesh, Nepal, and England. However, they have always managed to cross the finish line, something their predecessors failed to do.
"I haven’t been surprised at all that they are in the final" - Dean Elgar
South Africa have not been a prolific team in the T20 World Cups. They missed out on the chance to qualify for the semi-finals with a loss to the Netherlands in the 2022 edition. This is their first semi-final appearance since 2014.
In the past, South Africa have not been able to taste success despite having some of the most talented players in the form of AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn. The majority of the current crop were in the side that lost a close semi-final to Australia in the 2023 ODI World Cup, and have certainly gone one step ahead this time.
"Unlike a few of our teams in the past, with bigger names, the stars, this team has lesser pressure. I am not going to speak for those former players, but understandably the pressure on them might have been higher. The current group might not be all-stars like some units of the past, they might not be the biggest household names worldwide, but they have been doing brilliantly in the recent past," Elgar remarked in the same interview.
"I haven’t been surprised at all that they are in the final. 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. India do start as favourites, but like South Africa’s there are a couple of batting form worries in the Indian team too," Elgar added.
The 2024 T20 World Cup final between India and South Africa is scheduled to take place at the Kensington Oval in Barbados.