South Africa's AB de Villiers and Rabada during a match. File photoThe toughest part in sports is the fact that the numerous practice sessions and hard yards one puts in guarantee no success. It is the performance on a the big day which separates the champions from the rest.
In short there is no substitute for success. The South African cricket teams have had to live with the tag of chokers for numerous years and the thrashing at the hands of India in a do-or-die encounter in the ICC Champions Trophy at the Oval on Sunday was the latest in a serious of heartbreaks for this hugely talented bunch of players.
AB de Villiers' men, ranked No. 1 in the ICC ODI table, self-destructed in the pressure game as holders India secured a spot in the semifinals.
India demolish SA by 8 wickets, cruise into Champions Trophy semis | Pix
South Africa, put in by Virat Kohli on a sunny morning in London, were looking good for a big total when de Villiers and then David Miller were run out after a mix-up with Faf du Plessis.
The Indians were delighted to see the back of two of South Africa's most explosive batsmen and Kohli went in for the kill. The Proteas were shot out for a paltry 191 in 44.3 overs and the Indians cantered to an eight-wicket win.
Plenty to introspect
South Africa and de Villiers in particular will have a lot of soul searching to do after the crushing defeat. De Villiers had in fact taken a break from Test cricket to focus more on ODIs and end South Africa's title drought in ICC events in the shorter format of the game.
The Proteas have only one major title - the inaugural edition of the Champions Trophy in 1998 when it was known as the ICC KnockOut Trophy - to show for all their talent.
The Proteas refuse to admit that they lose their composure in the big games and crumble. But the bitter truth is that unless they break the hoodoo and go on to win a major championship, the chokers tag will be forever associated with them.
The champion player that he is, de Villiers has made it clear he feels he is the right person to lead the Proteas in the ICC World Cup to be held in England in 2019.
During the post-match press conference on Sunday, de Villiers stressed the fact there is enough talent in his closely-knit unit to go all the way in a big tournament.
There is a time gap of two years for the next World Cup and the Proteas have ample time to toughen up mentally and instill self-belief that they can indeed be crowned world champions.
But it is easier said than done and the onus is on de Villiers to show them the way and put an end to years of disappointments.
