"South Africa will have to win the World Cup for everyone to stop talking about choking" - Rob Walter
South Africa head coach Rob Walter believes their 'chokers' tag will not be erased until they win a World Cup. The 48-year-old revealed that they hardly discuss the 'C' word, but reckons it will keep following them until they taste success.
The Proteas men's team reached their first-ever World Cup final and were firm favourites against India for most part of the run-chase. With 30 required off 30 deliveries with six wickets in hand, South Africa could smell victory but ended up having a meltdown of epic proportions to lose by seven runs.
Speaking at CSA’s headquarters in Melrose Estate on Thursday, July 4, Walter said, as quoted by SA Cric Mag:
"It's not something we discuss in the changing room, but I still believe that South Africa will have to win the World Cup for everyone to stop talking about choking. Sport is sport, and there will be those moments when we don’t succeed in those moments where the decision-making goes in a different way. Unfortunately, it seems like that tag will follow us until the trophy is lifted.”
Like India, the Proteas were unbeaten heading into the final, overcoming the likes of West Indies and England in the Super 8s.
"To lose that way always hurts" - Rob Walter
Rob Walter also paid tribute to Jasprit Bumrah for slowing things down in the end with some outstanding bowling. He said during the same speech:
"The level of skill was awesome throughout and to lose that way always hurts. When margins are small, you’re always reflecting on what might have been. There’s no disgrace in seeing some great skill from Jasprit Bumrah in particular, who I felt was incredible at the back end of the game. He really slowed things down. It’s small consolation, I guess."
Bumrah won the Player of the Tournament award for his 15 scalps in eight matches at 8.27.