Dale Steyn forced to leave T20 World Cup early
· The South African
As South Africa and India prepare for a crucial Super Eight showdown in the ICC T20 World Cup, former Proteas fast bowler Dale Steyn has confirmed he will miss the remainder of the tournament after undergoing shoulder surgery.
Steyn, who had been part of the tournament’s commentary panel in India, announced on social media that he had returned home for the procedure as the competition heads into its knockout phase.
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‘Bummed, but that’s life’
“So unfortunately I’ve had to come home early, I’m having shoulder surgery tomorrow (Wednesday) which has forced me to miss the remainder of the World Cup in terms of commentary,” Steyn wrote on X.
“Bummed, but that’s life. Thanks again India, see you in the IPL.”
So unfortunately I’ve had to come home early, I’m having shoulder surgery tomorrow which has forced me to miss the remainder of the World Cup in terms of commentary.
— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) February 17, 2026
Bummed, but that’s life.
Thanks again India, see you in the IPL 😉
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When former team-mate Herschelle Gibbs asked whether the injury was due to wear and tear, Steyn replied: “Tore my pec in the legends league… Clearly my body is saying something to me.”
The injury occurred during Legends League Cricket, which recently announced a six-city tour of India for its upcoming season.
Super Eight Stage Intensifies
Steyn’s departure comes as the tournament enters a decisive stretch. The Super Eight phase runs until 1 March, with India and South Africa scheduled to meet on Sunday, 22 February at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
Both sides have shown strong form to date.
India secured a 61-run victory over Pakistan in Group A and also defeated South Africa by 30 runs in a 4 February warm-up match.
Meanwhile, South Africa advanced from Group D alongside New Zealand, building on their runner-up finish at the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Seven teams – West Indies, India, South Africa, England, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Zimbabwe – have already qualified for the Super Eight stage, with one remaining spot still to be decided between Pakistan and the United States on Wednesday.
The top two teams from each of the two Super Eights groups will progress to the semi-finals.
Respected figure
While Steyn retired from international cricket in 2021, he remains one of South Africa’s most celebrated fast bowlers and a respected figure in the global game.
His absence from the commentary box will be felt, especially after his memorable stint behind the microphone in South Africa’s recent win over Afghanistan.
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