Home / Sports / Steyn: NZ could become new 'chokers' vs India
Steyn: NZ could become new 'chokers' vs India
7 Mar
Summary
- Dale Steyn believes New Zealand may inherit 'choker' label.
- New Zealand reached three ICC finals since 2019 but lost.
- Steyn backs India to win T20 World Cup final at home.
South Africa's Dale Steyn has controversially suggested New Zealand could be labeled 'chokers' if they lose the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 final against hosts India. The Black Caps reached the final by defeating Steyn's former team in the semi-finals.
New Zealand has a history of reaching ICC finals, including the 2019 Cricket World Cup and the 2021 T20 World Cup, but have finished as runners-up on each occasion. Steyn noted this pattern during a YouTube discussion, implying that continued failure to win major finals would justify the 'choker' label.
Steyn believes India holds a strong advantage in the final, scheduled for Sunday in Ahmedabad. He indicated that for New Zealand to win, India would need to experience a significant collapse. Overall, New Zealand has appeared in eight ICC tournament finals since 2000, winning only the 2021 ICC World Test Championship.
