Dale Steyn

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Lore & Background

Steyn dominated the number one spot in the ICC Test rankings for a record 263 weeks between 2008 and 2014. He was named the ICC 2008 Test Cricketer of the Year, a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 2013, and the Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World for 2013. In December 2018, he became the leading wicket taker for South Africa in Test cricket. He announced his retirement from Test cricket on 5 August 2019 and from all forms of cricket on 31 August 2021.

In Their Own Story

It records that the team acquired him at the auction and lists his name as part of the initial squad. The season was marked by failure; the team won only four matches and finished seventh. Management changes occurred mid-season, with CEO Charu Sharma being sacked and replaced by Brijesh Patel, while head coach Venkatesh Prasad was later replaced by Ray Jennings after Martin Crowe resigned as chief cricketing officer.

Reader's Guide

Steyn played for Royal Challengers Bangalore (2008–2010), Deccan Chargers (2011), Sunrisers Hyderabad (2013–2015), Gujarat Lions (2016), and again for Royal Challengers Bangalore (2019–2020). He also played for Cape Town Blitz, Melbourne Stars, Islamabad United, Kandy Tuskers, and Quetta Gladiators in various T20 leagues.

Did You Know?

• Steyn's late outswinging delivery to castle Michael Vaughan in his first Test is considered one of the balls of the century.
• He spent 2,356 days at the top of the ICC Test bowling rankings as of 6 October 2016.
• Steyn was the leading wicket-taker for Warwickshire in the 2007 Friends Provident Trophy.