ICC World Cup 2019: Fit Dale Steyn Raring to Go
Apr 24, 2019 at 7:59 PM
South Africa speedster Dale Steyn is optimistic about contemporary cricket while delivering in the ongoing IPL 2019 season. His inclusion during the midway has somewhat boosted the morale of pale-looking Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). He is enthusiastic to feature in the upcoming ICC World Cup 2019.
In two matches, Steyn has claimed four wickets at an exceptional average of 17.25. So far, he gave away 69 runs off 48 deliveries.
The 35-year-old Steyn, who is the part of Proteas’ World Cup squad, is excited for the United Kingdom tour.
Steyn somewhat disagrees that IPL has its role to play ahead of the quadrennial event. However, he is focusing on his fitness.
“There aren’t a lot of games. There are around 4-5 games and I might only play two or three. But it doesn’t really matter. For me, it’s nice to be playing. I just need to be fit. Going to a World Cup, playing for South Africa,” Steyn told Hindustan Times.
Proteas are up for the challenge:
He added the Proteas have availed the services of the finest players in the coveted squad.
“We have got some tremendous players already in the team, and they will bring the best out of you anyway,” he added.
The ODI showpiece will commence from May 30 as the Proteas will face hosts England in London.
In the recently-held fixtures, since the addition of Steyn in RCB’s camp as a replacement for injured Aussie Nathan Coulter-Nile, RCB bowling department has somewhat looked like a different unit.
“I’ve watched them at the nets and they have had questions on how to swing the ball, what the mindset is. But I just think they needed somebody of senior stature to help them, to look up to,” Steyn said.
The Bengaluru-based franchise RCB has won two consecutive games. Earlier, Virat Kohli-led side lost six matches on the trot.
In between, Kohli alongside AB de Villiers did their best for RCB. Steyn feels they have the best batters in the business.
“In batting, you have two of the greatest batsmen the game has seen in ABD and Virat Kohli,” Steyn stated.
Currently, RCB are placed at the bottom of the table with six points in their kitty. They have won just three matches out of 10 matches.
Steyn’s admiration for Rabada and fast bowlers:
The right-arm speedster has also lavished praise on his national teammate Kagiso Rabada, who’s playing for Delhi Capitals (DC). Rabada has bagged 23 scalps in 11 matches to don the Purple Cap.
“Kagiso has been phenomenal. Having not toured India a lot in his young career, he seems to be a level ahead of where some other bowlers are right now,” Steyn said on Rabada.
Steyn, who is known for adventure, is himself an admirer of fast bowlers. He revealed that he is cherishing to witness Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar bowling to name a few.
“I’m a big fan of fast bowlers, love watching someone like Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and others bowl from across the world,” Steyn inferred.
Meanwhile, RCB will face KXIP in the all-important clash at Bengaluru on April 24.