Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has often seen as an extension of legendary careers in the sense that quite a few cricketers, who retire themselves from international cricket, continue to ply their trade in the T20 tournament. The likes of MS Dhoni and AB de Villiers are prime examples. However, it's been a different kind of a story for veteran pacer Dale Steyn. Although the Proteas cricketer had announced his retirement from Test cricket, he continues to look for opportunities in white-ball cricket including the IPL.
Ahead of IPL 2020, however, Steyn had made himself unavailable for selection. He stated that he wanted some time off and hence was taking that call. He then controversially remarked that Pakistan Super League (PSL) is “more rewarding” for a player than in IPL, since in the latter there is a greater emphasis on the amount of money.
Now with IPL 2020 currently suspended and the dark clouds looming over the remainder of the season, the 37-year-old has said that he is keen on playing the tournament next year.
If I want to win the purple cap I’ve got to play every game: Steyn
“If I want to win the purple cap I’ve got to play every game. There could be a chance next year, but for this year I felt that if I wanted to be taken more seriously I’ve got to play more cricket," Steyn was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.
"But with the pandemic, it makes it really difficult. I don’t want to spend most of my time sitting in quarantine. So you’ve got to weigh it up. But maybe there’s one more IPL for me. Let’s see," he added.
He explained how he wouldn't have got game time for RCB had he made himself available for selection in 2020, which led to his decision to take some time off and spend more time bowling.