'You will be missed' - RCB reacts to the news of Dale Steyn pulling out of IPL 2021

Ahead of the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), there is bad news for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) fans. The gun pacer Dale Steyn has decided to pull out his name from IPL 2021. However this isn’t an end to Steyn’s career in Indian league as he clarified that he hasn’t retired and is just taking a break during that period.

Surprisingly, Steyn has made himself available for other franchise cricket tournaments across the globe and will be participating in them in a hope to revive his international career but will only skip IPL. The Proteas cricketer took to his official Twitter handle to make the fans aware about his unavailability in the upcoming edition of the T20 Extravaganza.

“Cricket tweet: Just a short message to let everyone know that I’ve made myself unavailable for RCB at this years IPL, I’m also not planning on playing for another team, just taking some time off during that period. Thank you to RCB for understanding. No I’m not retired.” the 37-year-old tweeted.

In another tweet, Steyn had also clarified about his decision of continuing playing in other franchise leagues in the world. Dale wrote, “I will be playing in other leagues, nicely spaced out to give myself an opportunity to do something’s I’ve been excited about as well as continue to play the game I love so much. NO, I’m NOT retired. Here’s to a great 2021”

RCB pens a heartfelt note for Dale Steyn

Dale Steyn’s association with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) dates back to 2008. He had started his IPL career with the Bangalore outfit but later moved on to represent three other franchises namely Deccan Chargers, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Lions. Steyn had made his return to RCB in 2019 and re-joined them in 2019 after being bought for Rs 2 crore.

However, across the two seasons 2019 and 2020, Steyn failed to make an impact with the ball as had suffered an injury during IPL 2019 and was totally out of form in IPL 2020 which had also resulted in him getting dropped from the team.

After Dale Steyn’s announcement on Twitter, RCB also reacted to the news with the heartwarming message and made sure to make the seamer realise that he will be missed in the Bangalore camp. “You will be missed, Dale Steyn! Thank you for the memories and keep rooting for us.” RCB tweeted.