Following Nepal's narrow defeat to England in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, former South African fast bowler Dale Steyn offered his services to the Nepal cricket team, a gesture that has resonated deeply within the Nepalese cricketing fraternity. Nepal suffered a 4-run loss to England at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday.
Steyn, impressed by Nepal's spirited performance, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his admiration and offer his support, writing, "Nepal, I offer my services to you if you ever need 'em! Up, up and UP!". This message from a legend who retired from all forms of cricket in 2021 after a 20-year career, during which he took 439 Test wickets, has particularly moved the Nepali side.
Nepal bowler Nandan Yadav expressed his gratitude and excitement during the post-match press conference, stating, "So that's a big thing for us. A legend who ruled cricket for 10 years is tweeting about us". Yadav acknowledged Steyn's legendary status and impact on the sport, highlighting the significance of his offer to assist the emerging cricket nation.
Nepal's performance against England was indeed a "jaw-dropping fight." Chasing a target of 185, Nepal showcased aggressive batting and unwavering confidence, keeping the contest alive until the very last over. Openers Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh set an aggressive tone, followed by contributions from Rohit Paudel and Lokesh Bam, who scored a quick 39 off 20 balls. Despite falling short by just four runs, Nepal's fearless approach and composure under pressure earned them widespread praise from the cricketing world.
Other former international cricketers also lauded Nepal's performance. Yuvraj Singh commended the team's resilience and fighting spirit, while Michael Vaughan acknowledged the exceptional skill displayed by the Nepali players. Nepal captain Rohit Paudel sent a warning message to the rest of the teams of T20 World Cup 2026 after fighting valiantly against England.
While Steyn's specific role, should he join the team, remains to be seen, his offer has sparked speculation among fans and analysts. Given his extensive experience and expertise, a coaching role seems a likely fit, where he could mentor and guide the young Nepali talent. Nandan Yadav mentioned that it would be up to the team management to decide whether Steyn coaches Nepal in the future.
The heartwarming gesture from Steyn reflects the growing recognition and respect for Nepal's cricket team on the global stage. Despite being an associate nation, Nepal has consistently demonstrated its potential and passion for the game. Steyn's offer could mark a significant turning point for Nepal cricket, providing the team with invaluable guidance and support as they aim to further elevate their game.