India will face New Zealand in the final of the T20 World Cup 2026 on March 8 in Ahmedabad.
New Zealand advanced to the T20 World Cup final for the second time after defeating South Africa in the first semifinal at Kolkata's Eden Gardens.
Steyn stated that if the Kiwis fail to defeat India on Sunday, he would gladly pass the 'chokers' nickname to the Black Caps.
Steyn stated that New Zealand has appeared in more World Cup finals than the Proteas; therefore, the terrible C word can be used for the Kiwis if they fall short in yet another ICC tournament final.
New Zealand reached the finals of the 2019 50-over World Cup, the 2021 T20 World Cup, and the 2025 Champions Trophy but failed to win all three.
Steyn also stated that he wants New Zealand to win the title. Still, it's "impossible" that they'll beat India in Ahmedabad.
“Look, let's be honest here. New Zealand. Everyone likes to call South Africa chokers, but I am going to say it. New Zealand hasn't won many World Cups themselves, and they have been in more finals than we have. So, no offense, New Zealand, but please go on to win this,” Steyn said on AB de Villiers' YouTube channel.
“Otherwise, I am formally handing over that card to you; it's yours. I love New Zealand, but they won't beat India. It would require a monumental choke from India. I am calling it; it's possible. I really want them to win, but do I think they'll beat India? No,” he added.
AB de Villiers agreed with Dale Steyn, stating that he hates New Zealand for beating South Africa in the 2015 ICC World Cup semi-final. According to AB de Villiers, the Proteas were the only team that could have defeated Michael Clarke's team, and there was no way that New Zealand would defeat Australia.
“I hate New Zealand for that. In 2015, they were never going to beat Australia in that final. And I mean, guys will hate me for saying this, but there was only one team that was going to beat Australia in Australia, and that was South Africa, alright. And now we find New Zealand in the final again, and they will play India in India. Lots of respect for New Zealand as a sporting nation. Both you and I are going to be killed, Dale, if they go on to win the T20 World Cup,” De Villiers said.
India qualified for their second consecutive T20 World Cup final by defeating England in a high-scoring thriller in Mumbai on March 5.