David Miller Reacts Strongly On "Chokers" Tag, Backs South Africa To Win The ICC World Cup 2023 Title In India

South African middle-order batter David Miller firmly rejected the ‘chokers’ label associated with the team’s past performances in ICC tournaments. David Miller admitted that he was not bothered by the ‘chokers’ tag on South Africa ahead of the ICC World Cup 2023.

South Africa has failed to clinch the title in ICC events despite having a strong squad. They came close on a few occasions, reaching the ODI World Cup semifinals four times. They lost to New Zealand in the semifinals in 2015 and failed to advance to the playoffs in 2019.

I’ve Never Really Believed That At All – David Miller

Speaking ahead of the ICC World Cup 2023, David Miller expressed his belief that South Africa should not be characterized as “chokers” despite historical setbacks in key matches.

“I genuinely believe that we’re not chokers. How that tag affects people is an individual thing, but it’s never, ever bothered me. I’m honestly not just saying that,” said Miller, as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.

“Obviously there’s been history and there’s been games that we’ve not played well in that have let us down. But I would never say the ‘chokers’ tag applies to us, although that’s what everyone says. I’ve never really believed that at all,” he added.

Upsets Are Part Of The Game – David Miller

The 34-year-old batter emphasised the unpredictability of cricket and the importance of teamwork and luck in the game. Miller asserted that he doesn’t consider upsets a “chokers kind of situation” for the team.

“I believe we’ve got a great team. At the end of the day, cricket is cricket and you can lose games from nowhere outside of the World Cup.

“Upsets are part of the game. It’s just about making sure that we’re switched on as a team. You do need luck in certain games along a journey. But I’d never say it’s a chokers kind of situation,” Miller said.

The Temba Bavuma-led team will kick off their World Cup campaign with a game against Sri Lanka at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on October 7. The Proteas will lock horns with India in their penultimate group-stage match in Kolkata on November 5.

Also read: Temba Bavuma Is Terrific Captain; Keshav Maharaj Is Mr. Consistency – David Miller