Overall sixth in the bowling honours list of the IPL with 90 wickets in 85 matches, South African Dale Steyn was the face of Royal Challengers Bangalore for the first three seasons and thereafter for Deccan Chargers (now Sunrisers Hyderabad).
The Sunrisers management had to take a call between Steyn, a quality player in all formats of the game and the young Kiwi left-arm seamer Trent Boult and they settled for the latter for the first three matches.
Asked how tough was it to convey the decision to Steyn, team mentor V.V.S. Laxman said: “It’s very tough. Either Tom (Moody) or one of mentors (Laxman/Muralitharan) go and tell him first.
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“Then we make an announcement at the team meeting. This is followed not only for Dale, but for any player who misses out.”
Sunrisers also make it a point to explain the reasons for dropping a key player. “We tell him the reason behind the decision and we announce the playing XI at the team meeting.
“It was a tough (to drop Steyn in the first three matches) decision because we can play only four overseas players.
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“We have to balance our combination. We thought Boult should be given the first chance because he is a left-arm seamer and was in great form throughout the World Cup.
A thorough professional“It was great the way Dale handled it. He accepted the decision. He has been phenomenal. I have worked with him for two years; he is a thorough professional.’’
Laxman said that Steyn was the ‘go to man’ either on or off the field. “He wants to do everything possible not only on the field, but off it also by helping the youngsters improve their game.
“He took it in the right spirit. When he got the opportunity in the last two games, he bowled beautifully. I am sure he will contribute more in the coming matches.’’
Laxman was not too anxious over the team’s inconsistent display so far. “I am happy with the way the team has played. We lost three games, out of which two went to the wire.
“We did not give up, we fought till the end. The Chennai game was sort of one-sided.
“The team has been playing well in all departments. We want to keep improving. It’s great to see everyone working hard in the nets and preparing well for each and every match.’’
The decision to make Australian David Warner the captain was based on his overall improvement as a batsman and as a person.
“Although he was not the designated captain, he took the leadership role last year, especially at team meetings. As a senior player he took lot of responsibility.
“He did well in the Big Bash. He has been a good leader and captain from the first match”.