Legendary South African fast bowler Dale Steyn has expressed his disappointment with the current generation of pacers, stating that only a few possess the ability to read the game and adapt to crucial moments. Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Steyn highlighted how many bowlers fail to change tactics even after years at the highest level.
However, he singled out two exceptional pacers who, according to him, are the best in modern-day cricket—India’s Jasprit Bumrah and South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada. Steyn described Bumrah as the complete fast-bowling package and lauded both players for their ability to deliver wickets at crucial moments.
Modern Fast Bowlers Lacking Game Awareness?
Steyn expressed his frustration, saying, “I have seen international players today who will run in and bowl six balls without changing the field once, and they’ve played for ten years at the highest level. Sometimes I sit there pulling my hair out, wondering—can you not see what’s going to happen?”
His words underline a growing concern in cricket that many fast bowlers rely solely on raw pace rather than tactical awareness. Steyn believes that the ability to break a game open at critical junctures is what separates great bowlers from the rest.
Why Bumrah & Rabada Stand Out
Steyn reserved special praise for Bumrah and Rabada, emphasizing their versatility and impact. “You look at guys like Bumrah—he’s probably the best all-round package, him and KG Rabada. They can bowl at any stage and take a wicket. Those guys are like gold,” he remarked.
Supporting Steyn’s views, former New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond added that a majority of modern pacers lack clarity in their approach. “I think 70% of bowlers don’t know what they are doing. I tell captains not to hesitate in instructing their bowlers and setting the right field,” Bond commented.
Bumrah & Rabada: IPL 2025 Updates
As IPL 2025 approaches, Bumrah is recovering from a back issue and is likely to miss the first few games for Mumbai Indians. Meanwhile, Rabada will be seen in a new jersey this season, having been signed by Gujarat Titans for ₹10.75 crore in the mega auction.
With the ongoing debate on modern-day fast bowling, the performances of Bumrah and Rabada in IPL 2025 will be closely watched, as they continue to set the gold standard for pacers worldwide.