South African cricket legend Dale Steyn took the internet by shock yesterday when he announced his retirement from all formats of cricket in the evening. The pacer is undoubtedly one of the best players the sport has ever witnessed and he cherished a decorated career. Numerous records to his name, the former World No. 1 bowler was at the peak of his form a few years ago when a series of injuries halted his rise. Since then, Steyn was barely able to bowl at his very best and the recent surge of the COVID-19 came as the final blow to his career.
Dale Steyn took to social media to announce his retirement. He penned down and open letter saying, “It has been a really long December. There is surely some reason to believe that maybe this year will be better than the last. I can not remember the times that I have tried to tell myself to hold on to these moments as they pass me by.”
“It has been 20 long years since training, playing matches, travelling, losses, wins, strapped feet, jetlag, joy and the endless brotherhood. There are too many memories to tell and share. Too many faces to thank. So I left it to the experts at the end. To add to that and sum up, my favourite band, the Counting Crows.”
“Today I officially retire from the game I love the most. Bittersweet but grateful. Thank you, everyone. From my family to teammates, journalists to the fans. It has been an incredible journey together.”
Remembering Dale Steyn’s greatness on the day of his retirement, ESPNcricinfo posted an old video of him toying with India’s ace test player Cheteshwar Pujara in his prime. The video shows how the great batsman was totally perplexed by Dale Steyn’s insane pace and placement. It got viral in no time and fans use it as a way to shower their respect towards the legend.