WATCH: Heartwarming video of Indian fans cheering disheartened South Africa with ‘we love you’ chants

South Africa narrowly missed a great chance to clinch their maiden World Cup trophy as they suffered a seven-run defeat in Barbados on Saturday, June 29. 

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Jerin K Tomy
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Indians fans cheering for South African team (Source: X)

Indians fans cheering for South African team (Source: X)

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Indian fans have shown that cricket is a gentleman's game with their heartwarming gesture towards a dejected South Africa after their painful defeat to India in the 2024 T20 World Cup final. South Africa narrowly missed a great chance to clinch their maiden World Cup trophy as they suffered a seven-run defeat in Barbados on Saturday, June 29. 

After Rohit Sharma and co. ended their 11-year trophy drought, the whole of India was in jubilation. The players could be seen celebrating in tears, as were their supporters. However, in the meantime, the Indian fans did not forget to cheer for the South African team who fought hard till the last over for glory. 

Also Read: Rahul Dravid, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma lauded by Indian PM Narendra Modi through phone call after T20 World Cup win 

In a video which went viral on social media, a section of Indian supporters were seen cheering on the South African players with chants of "We love you". This gesture, just when the players were about to enter the team bus with a dejected face, is a clear picture of sportsmanship.

Watch the video below:

South Africa and India were the only teams that remained unbeaten till the final. The Proteas team topped the group stage and Super 8s points table before marching into the semi-finals. They defeated Afghanistan by nine wickets and secured a berth in the final for the first time in their cricket history. 

Chasing a target of 177 against India, South Africa was well ahead till the final 15 overs. But the ‘chokers’ tag came to haunt them again as they crumbled from that point. However, they displayed a remarkable performance throughout the tournament and deserve all the appreciation.

Speaking after their heartbreaking defeat, Proteas skipper Aiden Markram said: “Gutted for the time being. It'll take some time for us to have a really good reflection on a really good campaign the group had. Obviously for the time being, like I mentioned, it hurts quite a bit. Having said that, I'm incredibly proud of this group of players and everyone involved with the team. Could've won the game today. Unfortunately, we didn't.”

Also Read: BCCI announces hefty prize money for Rohit Sharma's World Champion Team India

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