Dale Steyn announces retirement from all formats of cricket

Dale Steyn announces retirement from all formats of cricket!

Taking to social media on Tuesday, the South African pacer announced his retirement from all forms of the game.

In a statement, he said: “Today, I officially retire from the game I love the most. Bittersweet but grateful.”

“It’s been 20 years of training, matches, travel, wins, losses, strapped feet, jet lag, joy, and brotherhood. There are too many memories to tell.

“Today I officially retire from the game I love the most. Bittersweet but grateful. Thank you to everyone, from family to teammates, journalists to fans, it’s been an incredible journey together.”

 

Steyn was initially included in South Africa’s squad for the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup but had to pull out without playing a match due to a shoulder injury problem.

Steyn bagged 439 wickets from 93 Tests at a stunning average of 22.95 and strike rate of 42.3. He finishes eighth on the all-time list of wicket-takers. 

He also played 125 ODIs, picking 196 wickets at an average of 25.95.

In 47 T20Is, in which he claimed 64 wickets at an average of 18.35.

Steyn had retired from Test cricket in 2019 with an eye on limited-overs formats, last played an international in February 2020 – a T20I against Australia – however due to constant run-ins with injuries over the last few years, especially after a career-threatening shoulder injury during South Africa’s tour of Australia in November 2016.

In 2020, Steyn played for Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL  but managed only three matches for average returns.

He played the Pakistan Super League in 2021 as his last professional commitment as a player.