"Don't call them Chokers even if they lose to India"- Former South African captain begs Indian fans

Former batter Dean Elgar doesn't want anyone to use the word "Chokers" even if Aiden Markram's South Africa loses the ICC T20 World Cup final today.

Rohit Sharma's Indian team stands in South Africa's way to winning their first ever major ICC silverware, which is the 2024 T20 WC in the West Indies and USA. The Proteas have reached a World Cup final for the very first time since their introduction in cricket many decades ago. Aiden Markram has the chance to do what the previous generation's captains have never done.

Aiden Markram has the chance to become bigger than Gary Kirsten, Graeme Smith, Herchelle Gibbs, and AB de Villiers among others. Currently, none of the above-mentioned names have won a single silverware but that can change if Markram's team supports him later today.

Over the years, South Africa have been known for choking at the wrong times - during the ICC World Cup semi-finals or quarter-finals for that matter. Many call the Proteas "Generational Chokers" while others call them "the Unluckiest" cricket team in the world. There is also a set that believes the Country is just not serious enough to win anything.

That may sound like a very bad thing but all of that can change and it all depends on Aiden Markram's side performance today. With many believing that South Africa hasn't played to their potential, the final clash against India could see them turn up with their A game. But even if they don't eventually become World Champions, former Test legend Dean Elgar had supportive things to say.

Dean Elgar believes it will be harsh to call South Africa chokers

While speaking to the Indian Express, Dean Elgar claimed that it would be very harsh for people and media to call South Africa chokers if they lose today. Elgar feels that the current group of players is worthy of respect and recognition for the way they have played white-ball cricket in the past 18 months or so.

"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." - Elgar told Indian Express.

Elgar reinstates the point that the Africans are yet to play at their full potential

Speaking ahead, Dean Elgar claimed that South African fans should take pride in the way the National team has played over the last 2 years. Lastly, Elgar reinstated the point that the Proteas are still to play at their full potential and somehow hopes that they come out all guns blazing against India in the final.

"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." - Dean Elgar concluded.