Dale Steyn recounts his time in India as a player
Dale Steyn, a former South African fast bowler, has praised Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting for their outstanding batting performances. Even off nice balls, the retiring speedster talked about how they could play shots with grace. Steyn, who was born in Phalaborwa, made his international debut in 2004 and has faced some of the world’s finest hitters. He played a lot of matches in the domestic Indian league though refused to return for the first half of the IPL 2021 competition.
Though the player did not have a great time in the former edition of the IPL, he is a well-known star of the game. He did not wish to return for the tournament, as he informed the Royal Challengers Bangalore that he would be taking a break. This did hurt his IPL rank 2021, with the call being a huge blow to RCB.
What Steyn was recently quoted as saying in SA Cricketmag about his experiences of the game?
Steyn took a total tally of 699 wickets for the Proteas. He was brilliant in all three forms of the game throughout his successful career. Despite being sidelined by injury, the speedster continued to make comebacks with spectacular spells. Great hitters, according to Steyn, don’t always let a bowler to establish into a rhythm.
“Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting were amazing batters (and sometimes you would just nod in appreciation). They are aware of your skills too so they a e trying to come out of this contest between batter and bowler unscathed, trying to get away with it without getting out. They only have one chance, where I at least get six balls.”
Dale Steyn talks about India and the time he played cricket in the subcontinent
Steyn also discussed his unforgettable cricket experience in India. In India, the now 38-year-old has a lot of international and IPL experience. He last appeared in an IPL match for the Royal Challengers Bangalore, captained by Virat Kohli. Steyn spoke about his experiences in India and how he was treated.
“India is crazy! It is the closest you are going to be to feeling like a rock star. You are treated like a Hollywood or Bollywood star. Cricket is just crazy there. You go to the airport and you are bombarded. You go to practice and there are 10 000 people watching. It is doubtful I will ever have that experience in my life again with anything that I do.”
In order to extend his career in limited-overs cricket, Steyn retired from Test cricket in 2019. After that, he played T20I cricket for the Proteas, but he was out of contention once more.
Steyn last played for South Africa in a T20I against Australia at the Wanderers in Johannesburg in February 2020. Steyn is the highest wicket-taker in Test cricket for South Africa, with 439 wickets.
What next for the player who has decided to take a retirement from all formats of the game?
Well, the South African pacer will not be playing in the IPL anymore. That is after he decided to leave cricket completely. He had dropped out of the tournament at the end of the last season. That was his final chance at winning the competition but it didn’t happen.
Now, Dale Steyn could work as a commentator or Pundit maybe, like some of the other former cricketers have been doing in recent times. On the other hand, he could also take up coaching and train young fast-bowlers to play for their country.
There are examples of former players like Ashwell Prince and more, who have done really well in this aspect. Steyn may consider going this way if he enjoys the routine. To add to that, he could always become a mentor to an IPL team for the long-run too.
There will surely be plenty of opportunities for Dale Steyn. That is due to the fact that he is really liked and highly respected. To add to that, he has been one of the best fast bowlers in the world of cricket. The South African has given enough to the game already. He will always be remembered for his quick aggressive bowling. Wishing Dale Steyn the very best for his future endeavours!!
