Dale Steyn discloses his favourite IPL franchise

South Africa’s veteran right-arm fast bowler Dale Steyn has been a constant in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since its inception in 2008, having played for teams like Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), now-defunct Deccan Chargers, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), and Gujarat Lions.

However, the pacer decided to give the 2021 edition of the T20 Extravaganza a miss as he is keener on playing in other franchise leagues across the globe apart from IPL. In the 2020 edition hosted in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Steyn played for RCB but had a torrid run as he featured in Playing XI in just three games scalping one wicket at an economy rate of 11.40.

Though the veteran has pulled out from the Indian league, he revealed the name of the team he will be supporting this year. Steyn had hosted a Question and Answer session on his official Twitter handle where he answered a variety of questions from the fans related to his personal and professional life.

In the same light, a fan asked him to name his favourite team. To this, Dale replied that though he admires all the eight IPL franchises, five-time champion Mumbai Indians (MI) looks more solid and competent. The seamer further added that South Africa’s Quinton de Kock plays for Mumbai and that’s another reason for supporting the Men in Blue and Gold.

“All teams, but Mumbai seem to have a solid thing going. QDK also one of my favorite players so always support him too”

All teams, but Mumbai seem to have a solid thing going. QDK also one of my favorite players so always support him too

— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) March 19, 2021

Dale Steyn opined on the IPL

Earlier this month, South Africa’s veteran pacer had found himself in trouble after he had asserted that playing in leagues like PSL and LPL is more rewarding as compared to IPL since the Indian league is now more about the money offered to a player. 

“I wanted some time off. I found that playing in these other leagues was slightly more rewarding as a player. I think when you go to IPL, there are such big squads and so many big names and so much emphasis on maybe the amount of money players earn and everything like that, so sometimes, somewhere down the line, cricket gets forgotten,” Steyn had said.

This didn’t go well with many Indian fans and the seamer had to finally issue a statement on his official Twitter handle clarifying that he loves to play in IPL and didn’t intend to hurt anybody’s feelings.

IPL has been nothing short of amazing in my career, as well as other players too.

My words were never intended to be degrading, insulting, or comparing of any leagues.
Social media and words out of context can often do that.

My apologies if this has upset anyone.
Much love

— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) March 3, 2021