Herschelle Gibbs Highlights What South Africa Must To Do To End Their World Cup Jinx

Former South African batsman Herschelle Gibbs was part of four 50-over World Cup campaigns and three 20-over World Cup ones. It was when South Africa was one of the best teams; however, they remained unsuccessful despite their efforts in those mega tournaments. With the Proteas still falling short in knockout games in several tournaments in the last few years, Herschelle Gibbs underlines what they need to do to get over the line.

South Africa’s last three out of four 50-over World Cup campaigns ended in the knockout stage, failing to cross the line despite being favourites. With the likes of Dale Steyn, Faf Du Plessis, Jacques Kallis, AB De Villiers, Morne Morkel, Imran Tahir, Graeme Smith, Quinton De Kock, and many others, the Proteas should have lifted one or two ICC trophies. It was not the case as the pressure of knockout games always got to them.

Herschelle Gibbs acknowledged that South Africa never fails to produce players of top quality. However, it is the big-match temperament and the ability to thrive in pressure that is lacking. Hence, Gibbs highlighted that it needs to change for the national team to emerge with a World Cup.

“South Africa always produces world-class players. But it’s the big match temperament and dealing with the pressure that’s been lacking over the years. Until that changes, I can’t see anything changing,” Gibbs said as quoted by ANI.

It’s my ambition to coach in all the T20 leagues: Herschelle Gibbs

The 46-year old, who has played quite a lot of franchise cricket, will serve as the coach of Colombo Kings in Lanka Premier League edition of 2020. Herschelle Gibbs claimed that it was interesting how the role landed to him as Dav Whatmore, the initial candidate, pulled out due to personal reasons. Whatmore’s replacement Kabir Ali, who tested positive for COVID-19, had to opt out. Gibbs feels privileged to get the role as it’s his ambition to coach in all T20 leagues.

“Well, an interesting turn of fate, I would say. I learned that Dav Whatmore, who was earlier named the coach of Colombo Kings, had to pull out due to some personal reasons. Even his replacement, Kabir Ali, tested positive for COVID-19, so when I was approached, I readily agreed to it. It’s my ambition to coach in all the T20 leagues,” he added.

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