ICC World Cup 2019 | ‘Chokers’ tag for South Africa is exaggerated and unfair, says Paddy Upton

05/20/2019

Paddy Upton has stated that the ‘Chokers’ tag for South Africa is exaggerated and unfair, even though they have never won a World Cup despite being tagged as one among the favourites since their return in 1992. Even in the previous edition, they were knocked out in the semi-finals.

South Africa played their first ever ODI in 1991 but still went on to play the semi-finals of the 1992 World Cup before being knocked out due to rain. They even topped their group tables in the 1996, 1999 and 2011 editions but are yet to play a final. They have clearly underachieved and this has earned them the ‘chokers’ tag with respect to the quadrennial event. South Africa born Paddy Upton, who also coaches Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League, feels that the title is an exaggeration.

“In every big tournament like the World Cup, only one team wins and seven or eight big teams end on the losing side. I think the ‘chokers’ label for South Africa is a little bit too exaggerated and it’s also unfair,” he said on Friday, reported IANS.

The Proteas will be led by Faf du Plessis in this edition and will look to start their campaign against the hosts England at The Oval on May 30. The professional mental coach suggested that the side should look to focus on the game.

“But I do realise that South Africa have struggled and could have performed better. They will, in time, win one of these big trophies. But for the time being, they need to embrace and not run away from the ‘chokers’ label and also not be weighed down by it. They just need to focus on their game and the job at their hands,” he advised.

The ten-nation tournament will be played in the United Kingdom between May 30 and July 14. Top-ranked England, number two ranked India and defending champions Australia are widely regarded as favourites and Upton did not disagree. He even went on to say that one among South Africa, New Zealand and even West Indies can end up as the fourth semi-finalist.

“This format allows top teams with a better chance to make it to the semifinals. I see India, Australia and England making it to the semis and South Africa and New Zealand fighting it out for the fourth spot. West Indies on their day can surprise any team. So, it will be a wild card entry for the fourth semi-final spot among three teams,” reckoned the 50-year-old.

“Each of those four top teams will be able to lift the trophy and it will go down to which team has the most number of in-form players,” he added.