Dale Steyn recalls playing experience in India
Former South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn has lauded Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting for their stupendous batsmanship. The retired speedster talked about their ability to play shots with elegance even off good balls. The Phalaborwa-born Steyn made his international debut way back in 2004 and has bowled to some of the best batters in the cricket world.
In his illustrious career for the Proteas, Steyn picked up 699 wickets across all three formats. Although injuries kept pushing him back, the speedster kept making comebacks with brilliant spells. Steyn said that the great batters don’t always let a bowler settle into a rhythm.
“Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting were amazing batters (and sometimes you’d just nod in appreciation). They’re aware of your skills too so they’re 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,” Steyn was quoted as saying in SA Cricketmag.
India is crazy: Dale Steyn
Steyn also talked about his incredible experience of playing cricket in India. The now 38-year-old has played quite a bit of international and IPL cricket in India. Back in 2019, he played his last IPL game for the Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore. Steyn talked about how he used to be treated at various places in India.
“India is crazy! It’s the closest you’re going to be to feeling like a rock star. You’re treated like a Hollywood or Bollywood star. Cricket is just crazy there. You go to the airport and you’re bombarded, you go to practice and there are 10 000 people watching. It’s doubtful I’ll ever have that experience in my life again with anything that I do,” he added.
Back in 2019, Steyn hung his boots from Test cricket in order to prolong his career in limited-overs cricket. Thereafter, he played T20I cricket for the Proteas but again went out of contention.
In February 2020, Steyn last donned the national jersey in a T20I against Australia at the Wanderers in Johannesburg. Having picked 439 wickets, Steyn remains South Africa’s leading wicket-taker in Test cricket.
