Expert Aakash Chopra has cast doubts over the quality of the AB de Villiers-less South African team and has stated that he does not see the Proteas as challengers for the World T20. Chopra, however, believes that the Proteas are still strong enough to cause upsets in the tournament.

ICC trophy has evaded South Africa since the sport’s inception, but many believed that if the CSA could convince AB de Villiers to come out of retirement, the team might stand a chance at the forthcoming World T20. However, heartbreak ensued last week as de Villiers, who as recently as last month hinted at an international comeback, confirmed that he will remain permanently retired, ruling out a Proteas return.

Chopra, who is known for his cricketing talk shows and analysis of the gentlemen’s game, has opined that South Africa’s chances of their progressing in the World Cup would have been better if de Villiers was in their squad. Chopra feels that it is impossible to get a player of de Villiers’ quality. “The team still has good players but is it a team that can win the World Cup, I personally don’t think so,” Chopra responded to a fan query on his Youtube video.

“This team can do well, trouble a few people and spoil other teams’ parties but they might not be able to win the World Cup because wherever it happens, whether in India or the UAE, I have my reservations with regards to their chances to win the tournament in these conditions,” he added.
After the heartbreaking loss at the hands of eventual champions Australia in 1999, the Proteas have only managed to enter the semi-final stage under De Villiers’ captaincy.

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“At this point in time, the team is not that good. Let’s be fair, don’t count them out. They are a good team, they fight but they are also a team that struggles at the end and chokes at times. They don’t really know how to close the big moments. That problem has been there with this team,” Chopra signed off.