Rohit Sharma is a name synonymous with the modern day batting legend. An amazing opener, a reliable Captain and record breaking run machine Rohit has carved his place among team India all time greats. His journey however was not smooth despite scoring more than 18000 International runs even Rohit has his kryptonite a bowler who pushed him to his limits and demanded meticulous preparation is Dale Steyn.
Steyn, a South Africa legend, is not just any bowler. His raw speed, pinpoint accuracy and ferocious swing made him a nightmare for many batsmen. Dark intimidation factor he exuded added another layer of challenge Rohit who faced Steyn wrath early in his career openly acknowledges his struggle.
During an interview Rohit confessed I have gone and watched his video like under time before I went in to bat. He is fast and even used to swing the ball at that speed which is not easy and he was a wild competitor.”
The irony lies in the dismissal statistics. Steyn only dismissed Rohit Sharma once in international cricket yet the first bowler of South Africa left an indelible mark. One memorable encounter stands out in India’s tour of South Africa in 2013. Steyn with the new ball in hand unleashed a fiery spell on the bouncy pitches, leaving Rohit Sharma facing a barrage of unplayable deliveries. This period coincided ved Rohit rising to prominence. While Rohit Sharma was still finding his footing Steyn was nearing the twilight of his career.
This is not the first time Rohit Sharma has highlighted the challenge Steyn posed. In a separate interview he described Steyn as a bowler who never deviated from the ideal length and possessed their ability to swing the ball at high speed
The respect is mutual. Steyn acknowledged the prowess of Rohit Sharma and said, I always struggle to ball against Rohit Sharma. He is a phenomenal batsman leading the team from the front.
The Rohit Steyn dynamic is a fascinating one. Despite the Limited dismissals, the sheer quality and intimidation Steyn brought to the table forced Rohit Sharma to elevate his game. It is a testament to Both players Rohit’s relentless pursuit of improvement and the unwavering dominance of Steyn. Their encounters serve as a reminder that even the greatest have their hurdles and overcoming those challenges is what defines through greatness.
