(Image Source: ESPN)
[Saba Sports News] Former South African fast bowler Dale Steyn reflected on the emotional aftermath of the Proteas’ semi-final exit in the 2015 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. Steyn mentioned how the team quickly moved on from the loss to New Zealand, led by Grant Elliott’s dramatic finish, which centrally involved him. Within 24 hours, the team dispersed and did not discuss the defeat further.
Steyn recalled reuniting with the team afterwards, sensing that the impact of that defeat was still unaddressed. “When we got back together, I felt the elephant was still in the room. We hadn’t spoken about what happened months ago, and it lingered for a long time.”
At 40 years old, Steyn emphasized the importance of accepting both victories and defeats in professional sports. Despite the collective disappointment, the team gradually moved on, realizing such outcomes are part of the sport.
Steyn also shared how he encouraged younger players like Quinton de Kock, noting Morne Morkel’s visible distress. “I had to be the professional, the senior player. I tried to support the younger ones. The next morning, we all met for breakfast, trying to move on as if the previous night hadn’t happened,” he said.
It took the team a year or two to fully address and discuss the semi-final loss as a group. Each player, in the meantime, dealt with it individually. Steyn’s reflections shed light on the mental resilience required in high-level sports and the process of recovery from significant defeats.