Dale Steyn needs some love at the moment, says Faf du Plessis

South Africa's Dale Steyn

Southampton: The Indian Premier League (IPL), which was played close to the World Cup, yesterday claimed its first victim - South Africa's Dale Steyn.

Steyn, who was roped in by the Royal Challengers Bangalore as an injury replacement after being unsold at the auction, had an immediate impact with four wickets in two games.

However, a shoulder injury prompted Cricket South Africa to immediately pull out their premier pacer from the tournament to keep him fit for the World Cup.

After waiting patiently for a week since the World Cup kicked off, the South African team management finally decided to go in for a replacement - left-arm pacer Beuran Hendricks.

'Tough time for Dale'

On the eve of their crucial match against India, South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis brought up Steyn's IPL participation. "It's a tough time for him. He's tried really hard to get fit for this campaign. He was bowling unbelievably well in the lead-up to this tournament and the IPL he was at his best. Unfortunately, it happened there in the IPL in those two games that he played there.

"If he didn't get picked up to go to the IPL, who knows where Dale would have been right now. We can't control that. So, it is important for me that we make sure that we are there for him because I know he's been trying hard to make sure he is ready to try and make an impact on which will be his last World Cup," said Du Plessis.

In July 2018, during an interaction in Mumbai, Steyn had hinted that he would retire from ODI cricket after the 2019 World Cup.

It would be a pity to see a champion bowler like him bid adieu to the 50-over format like this. His skipper couldn't help but empathise with him.

"It's important that us as a team and the management make sure there are things in place for him to assist him... to be there for him. He needs love at the moment," said Du Plessis.

While Steyn was a big blow to their World Cup campaign, there was some cheer around with Hashim Amla declared fit to play after suffering a blow on his head in the World Cup opening clash against England on May 30.

The Proteas, however, are still sweating over the fitness of Lungi Ngidi.

Virat disappointed

Steyn's RCB skipper Virat Kohli was also disappointed over the pacer being ruled out. "He was enjoying his cricket, bowling really well, getting along with everyone so I can understand he must be feeling gutted and I'm feeling bad for him," said Kohli.

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