'I Doubt You Would Say That To India' - Bavuma Denounces 'Chokers' Tag
Temba Bavuma looked forward to the India game (Twitter)
South Africa's inspirational skipper Temba Bavuma denounced the entire narrative uplifting the chokers' tag against his troops as they gear up to face the mighty India in ICC World Cup 2023 in Kolkata on Sunday (November 5).
Bavuma confronted a query at the pre-match press conference based on the controversial term used to describe Proteas' notorious capitulations and failures at ICC events when the stakes are high. The captain got asked would it establish the tag on their heads if South Africa were to crumble again in the knock-outs of the ongoing tournament after enjoying a dominating run.
Feeling lost for words briefly, Bavuma then presented a strong defence of his men by brushing aside the chokers' narrative and asked a question back to the present journalists: would the same be asked of India if they fail against his men in Kolkata or falter at the last hurdle again at an ICC event, not having secured a trophy since the 2013 Champions Trophy?
Bavuma denounces chokers narrative for Proteas
Even in the ongoing tournament, where the South Africans have been in devastating form and stormed into the semifinals officially on Saturday (November 4) with six victories in seven matches, the only time the term was conveniently discussed outside was when the Proteas endured a surprising blip against the Netherlands.
Either side of that shocking result in Dharamsala, they have surpassed Australia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, New Zealand, England and Bangladesh with none bar one of those fixtures running close. The next match-up with the peaking Indian side is therefore being looked at as an opportunity for Bavuma's men to press home their contendership.
"To choke? I don't know how to answer that. I think if we come unstuck tomorrow, I don't think it'll be a matter of choking. I doubt you would say that about India as well if they come unstuck if they would choke," Bavuma said in response to the query in the media interaction.
"You got two teams who are in-form, coming up against each other and I think it's just a matter of who breaks first and who's able to I guess, exploit that moment or that weakness."
"We understand that there will be pressure moments within the World Cup, moments that we've overcome to get to this point, and there will still be more. We'll deal with them as best as we can. But yeah, I haven't heard that word come up as of yet in the training," he added.
 "Kashish Chadha")
