Rohit Sharma picks the toughest bowler he has faced

India opening batsman Rohit Sharma admitted that South African spearhead paceman Dale Steyn is the toughest bowler he has had to face in his career. Sharma opened up about his experience playing for the national team and also shared that the challenge of playing as an opener has become considerably harder since he began to open the innings for India.

Rohit Sharma was recently at a charity ball in London organized by the captain of the Indian Cricket Team. The event was hosted by renowned cricket presenter Alan Wilkins. When Wilkins asked Sharma about the toughest bowler he faced, he replied, “Dale Steyn. We’ve seen over the years what he has done for his country. It is always challenging to play against him. Since I’ve started opening it’s become even more challenging. I’ve always enjoyed playing against him, always competitive, so I think I’d say Dale Steyn.”

Dale Steyn, one of South Africa’s best

South Africa’s Dale Steyn is undoubtedly one of the fiercest bowlers in the circuit today. His pace coupled with vicious swing makes him almost impossible to face – unless you are AB de Villiers of course. With a tally of over 400 wickets, Dale Steyn is one of the very best pacers that South Africa has produced.

However, 33-year old Steyn is grappling with injuries and has been left out of the Champions Trophy squad as well. As far as his encounters with Rohit Sharma are concerned, Dale Steyn has been able to dismiss the Indian on just one occasion. The Boxing Day Test between India and South Africa at Durban in 2013, which India lost by 10 wickets was the only instance when Steyn dismissed Rohit in national colours.

The fact that Rohit picked Steyn as the toughest bowler he’s had to face, despite having fallen to him just once, just goes on to show the caliber of the South African.

India and South Africa are pooled in the same group for the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy and will be seen in action on June 11 at The Oval. Both teams have bagged a win, and are likely to make it to the semi-finals.