Published By: Sayan Guha

Is This South Africa’s New Golden Gen or Just Another Near Miss? 

From near-misses to newfound momentum, the Proteas are scripting a tale of resilience and revival

South African cricket fans have experienced an emotional rollercoaster over the previous two years. Their teams have come perilously close to winning the elusive world crown three times, only to fall short in the final or semi-finals. South Africa's men will get another shot in June when they compete in the World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord's. Could this be the moment they break their duck? Will the Proteas stay recurring bridesmaids?

It's more than just one squandered chance. It is the result of decades of heartache, exacerbated by the wilderness years that followed the departure of their golden generation. However, something about this new wave feels unique. The Proteas are constructing something that will be successful in the long run rather than just once.

The ghosts of the golden era

Take a look back to 2012, when Graeme Smith's side became indisputable Test cricket champions. They were fearless, dominating, and unbeatable during away tours. However, cracks began to appear as icons like Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers, and Dale Steyn retired. The Proteas were not simply rebuilding; they were stumbling.

From 2018 to 2021, South Africa won just two Tests. They crashed out embarrassingly early in the 2019 World Cup. Off the pitch, things were not much better. Cricket South Africa (CSA) replaced CEOs like they were out of style, and financial mismanagement cast lengthy shadows over the sport.

T20 success: The silver lining

South Africa's cricket recuperation owes much to their third effort to establish a T20 franchise league. The SA20 tournament, supported by IPL teams, has been a sensation. The league has rekindled interest in cricket at home with full stadiums, a plethora of foreign talent, and financial gains finally coming in. The balance sheet is in the green for once, as is the team's on-field performance.

Players discovered in the SA20, like Tristan Stubbs and Gerald Coetzee, have swiftly progressed to international match-winning performances. Not only have the fans taken note, but the league has also provided CSA with much-needed financial stability, assuring a continuous supply of revenue for years to come.

The Test of depth

This is not a squad centred around a few superstars, as was the case during the golden age. It's a collaborative endeavour that reaches deep into the domestic talent pool. From grinding out Test triumphs to chasing large totals in white-ball cricket, the Proteas have proven they are no longer a one-dimensional team.

However, issues persist. Balancing the demands of SA20 with the integrity of Test cricket is a delicate task. Critics believe that emphasising franchise cricket resulted in weaker squads for bilateral Test series. For the time being, however, the bet is paying off.

Looming questions

While the men's squad is on the rise, the women's team has its own challenges. Back-to-back T20 World Cup finals have enormous potential, but the lack of a women's SA20 league reveals a shortfall in infrastructure and funding.

Then there's the psychological barrier: the 'C' word. Until South Africa wins a global title, the nickname 'chokers' will plague them. However, with consistent results across formats, the narrative may eventually shift.

A new dawn?

Whether or not the Proteas win at Lord's in June, the signals are clear: South African cricket is about to enter a new era. The days of turmoil and collapse have given way to stability and structure.

For the time being, Proteas supporters may dream again. Perhaps this time, those hopes will result in success rather than heartache.