South Africa's journey in the World Cup was not a choke, showing promise for future success. The Proteas fought hard against India in the final, and losing to a strong opponent is nothing to be ashamed of. As Keshav Maharaj faced Jasprit Bumrah's final ball, he was focused on survival, not haunted by past World Cup near-misses. Despite a crucial mistake by Maharaj, the team did not choke in the final moments of the game.
It is unfair to label every narrow defeat as a choke, as mistakes happen in any close game. India showcased their strength throughout the tournament, making it challenging for South Africa to chase a high score in the final. The Proteas defied expectations and put up a strong fight, proving their ability to perform under pressure.
There is hope for South Africa's future success, with a talented squad and a strong domestic league producing promising players. While the loss in the World Cup final stings, the team should take pride in their performance against a formidable opponent. It is important not to dismiss this loss with a tired cliché, but to acknowledge the effort and determination shown by the team.