Dale Steyn pulls out of IPL 2021

Royal Challengers Bangalore fast bowler Dale Steyn has given a disappointing update on his availability for the upcoming IPL season. Steyn confirmed that he will not play in IPL 2021. However, he also clarified that he had not retired from the sport. 

Dale Steyn was recently playing for the Kandy Tuskers in Lanka Premier League. However, the South African speedster has stated that he does not intend to play in the IPL this year. This decision has raised many eyebrows because the next T20 World Cup will happen in India. 

Playing in the IPL could have helped Dale Steyn get adjusted to the conditions and pitches in India. Still, he has opted to skip the competition. In his latest tweet, Steyn informed everyone about this decision. He thanked the Royal Challengers Bangalore management for understanding his decision. Here’s what Steyn wrote:

“Cricket tweet. Just a short message to let everyone know that I’ve made myself unavailable for RCB at this years IPL, I’m also not planning on playing for another team, just taking some time off during that period. Thank you to RCB for understanding.”

Dale Steyn did not have a great IPL season in the United Arab Emirates. The opposition batsmen were not feared to face him in the tournament. Instead, the batsmen targeted him in the slog overs. It was heartbreaking to see a legend like Dale Steyn get hammered like this in the IPL. 

However, one has to accept that a single player cannot rule the game for a very long time. Some players managed to accomplish that unimaginable feat of domination for 15-20 years. However, in fast bowlers, the dominance usually lasts 5-10 years. It is quite rare to see a fast bowler having the same pace, line, length, and impact for a decade. Steyn will be missed in IPL 2021.