South African pacer Dale Steyn opts out of 2021 Indian Premier League

Veteran Pacer Dale Steyn has made himself unavailable for the 2021 Indian Premier League. He clearly stated that he seeks some time off from the cricketing arena. Steyn further clarified that he is not ready to hang up his boots and will continue to participate in other T20 Leagues around the world.

For 2020 Indian Premier League, Royal Challengers Bangalore signed Dale Steyn to bolster their pace resources. The cash-rich league was shifted to the United Arab Emirates due to rising covid-19 cases in India.

Steyn stated that he will not be playing for another franchise as he just wants to take time off from the game. The pacer failed to make an impression with the ball for Royal Challengers Bangalore and played only three games in the 2020 Indian Premier League played in the UAE.

In March 2019, Dale Steyn decided to retire from Test cricket in order prolong white-ball career. He failed to make an impact with the ball for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 2020 Indian Premier League played in the United Arab Emirates. In three matches played, he picked one wicket at an average of 133.00 with an economy rate of 11.33.

Despite being fit and available for selection, he was not considered for the T20I series against England. Recently, he was signed as supplementary player by Quetta Gladiators for 2021 Pakistan Super League.

In the past couple of years, Dale Steyn has been plagued with shoulder injury that has kept him for long periods. The 37-year old will be looking to learn new skills and comeback with renewed vigor in the white-ball cricket.

In the T20 format, Dale Steyn has played 225 matches and picked up 259 wickets an average of 21.96 with an economy rate of 6.92. He has picked four four-wicket hauls in his T20 career. It will be interesting to see when Dale Steyn makes his return to the international stage