Steyn Calls New Zealand Chokers, Ashwin Awaits Samsons Century

The T20 World Cup final between India and New Zealand has become the center of discussion in the cricketing world. Ahead of the title-deciding clash, former cricketers have been sharing their analysis, predictions, and strong opinions. Joining that conversation, South African pace legend Dale Steyn made some sharp remarks about New Zealand, while former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin expressed his hopes for a special innings from Sanju Samson.

The term “chokers” has long been associated with South African cricket. However, Dale Steyn believes New Zealand—despite reaching multiple World Cup finals—also deserves scrutiny for failing to lift the trophy. Speaking on former South African batting great AB de Villiers’ YouTube channel, Steyn delivered a direct message to the Kiwis.

“Look, I’ll be honest. Everyone loves calling South Africa ‘chokers,’ but I want to say New Zealand haven’t won that many World Cups either. They’ve played more finals than us. So, with respect to New Zealand, please go and win the trophy this time.”

According to Steyn, if New Zealand fail to win the title again, the ‘chokers’ label should rightfully belong to them. During the same discussion, he also cast doubt on their chances of defeating India in the final.

“Otherwise, I will officially hand over that tag (chokers) to you — it belongs to you. I like New Zealand, but they won’t beat India. For them to win, India would have to produce an unbelievable ‘choke.’ I’m telling you, it’s impossible. I really want them to win, but do I really think they will beat India? No.”

Steyn also recalled the 2015 World Cup final while explaining his perspective. In his view, New Zealand were never in a position to beat Australia in that match.

“That’s why I dislike New Zealand for it. In the 2015 World Cup, they were never in a position to beat Australia in the final. People might dislike me for saying this, but in Australia that year, there was only one team that could have beaten Australia, and that was South Africa. And now again I see New Zealand in another final, this time playing India in India.”

Responding to Steyn’s comments in a lighthearted manner, host AB de Villiers jokingly warned that if New Zealand actually win the title, both of them might face heavy backlash.

“I have a lot of respect for New Zealand because of the way they play the game. But Dale, if they win the T20 World Cup this time, people will come and kill you and me (laughs).”

Meanwhile, former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has his eyes on Sanju Samson. Earlier in the tournament, Ashwin predicted that Samson could score three centuries in this World Cup. Although two of his innings have fallen just short of the milestone, Ashwin is not disappointed.

Speaking on his own YouTube channel, the former spinner said he would now be satisfied if Samson manages at least one century.

“Earlier I said Samson would score three centuries in this World Cup. In one match he made an unbeaten 97, and in the next he scored 89. Now I feel one century will be enough!”

Ashwin also expressed optimism about Samson’s chances ahead of the final against New Zealand. He believes that if the Indian batter can find answers to the opposition bowlers, he could produce a big innings.

“He didn’t have a great bilateral series against New Zealand and against Mitchell Santner and Matt Henry. But if he can find an answer to Matt Henry the way he found one against Jofra Archer, then there’s no stopping him. We are waiting for a dazzling finish, and hopefully he can deliver.”