Dale Steyn has the ability to produce match-winning performances at any time: Gary Kirsten

Citing the example of MS Dhoni, former South Africa opener Gary Kirsten has said that the decision to pick the veteran Dale Steyn in Proteas’ World Cup squad is a right one. While there is little denying Steyn’s credentials, one cannot really ignore the fact that the legendary pacer has not looked at his lethal best in recent times especially in ODIs. What has perhaps contributed more to Steyn making less impact in ODIs is his absence from the format.

The 35-year-old pacer returned to South Africa’s ODI team in September last year. He had made a comeback to the format after a gap of two years. Steyn’s career was marred by injuries in the last couple of years and thus he has played just 13 ODIs since 2017. Unsurprisingly, there were apprehensions that South Africa would probably not back one of their best pacers of all time for a spot in the World Cup squad. However, the Proteas went for experience and gave Steyn another opportunity to end the nation’s long wait for a first-ever ICC title.

And Kirsten has also justified the decision, he said that the veteran is capable of producing match-winning performances at any time of his career. “Dale Steyn has proved to be one of the best fast bowlers of his generation. Like any superstar, he has the ability to produce match-winning performances at any time in his career. One just has to look at MS Dhoni to see an example of this,” Kirsten was quoted as saying by Mumbai Mirror. 

Steyn, meanwhile, has recovered from the shoulder injury he sustained during the IPL and is now ready for the World Cup. The veteran along with Lungi Ngidi, Chris Morris and Kagiso Rabada will shoulder the responsibility of South Africa’s pace department. The Proteas will start their World Cup campaign against hosts England on May 30.

England looking good

Kirsten, meanwhile, refused to name a clear cut favourite for the World Cup but said that England are looking good. “Haven’t a clue, but England are looking good,” said Kirsten.

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