IPL 2022: Dale Steyn Reveals How He Earned AB de Viliers' Respect In A Motivating Story To Uplift SRH Pacers

Dale Steyn’s reaction when he saw Umran Malik perform well for Sunrisers Hyderabad has been the story of this IPL so far. The young pacer from Jammu & Kashmir has bowled with some serious pace and has unsettled the best of batsmen. Malik has taken nine wickets in six matches thus far in IPL 2022.

DC vs RR Dream11 Prediction

Along with Umran Malik, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and T Naratajan have also contributed to SRH’s success. After losing their two opening games, the side has won four on the bounce with their bowling attack delivering the goods. While Bhuvi has taken 8 wickets from six matches, Natarajan has taken 12 from six games. Dale Steyn spoke in detail about how the two senior bowlers have been bowling this season so far. He said that they know what to do and what is expected of them.

They Know What To Do To Perform At The Highest Level: Dale Steyn On SRH Bowlers

“We have given them the freedom. He is treated as a senior player and we’ve allowed him to express himself, as is Nattu. The freedom to train the way they want, make sure they hit their straps. They know what they have to do to perform at the highest level. You know you are coming up against the best Indian players, not just the best in the world” Steyn told Hindustan Times.

The former Protean pacer then gave his own example of how he earned respect from his South African teammate AB de Villiers. Both have had some fierce battles in the IPL and De Villiers has had the wood over Steyn.

“There is no better feeling than beating your own countrymen. (For me) getting Andre Russell was great, but getting AB de Villiers was my ultimate goal. When I walked back into the South African team, I had the respect from AB (because) I got him out. That is the thing about IPL, the only time you get to compete against the best other players from your own country, and there is an edge. In this IPL we have really started to see the best of Bhuvi and Nattu,” said Steyn.

Sunrisers are placed fifth on the points table with 8 points from six games. They next face RCB on Saturday, April 23 at the Brabourne stadium in Mumbai.

Also Read: MI vs CSK: Watch – Fan Takes Catch In Stands After Kieron Pollard Hits Six Off Maheesh Theekshana