Dale Steyn clarifies his participation in the IPL

South African pacer Dale Steyn has been surfing, hiking, fishing, spending time with his family but that when he should have been on the field leading their pace bowling attack which has been without the spearhead but doing well. He suffered a shoulder injury in November 2016 and has been out of action since then. His recovery has been termed fine and will be fit in time for South Africa’s next big assignment.

With the Indian Premier League approaching, critics of domestic Twenty20 competitions and of international players who appear in them have targeted him. Steyn found the need to clarify that he hasn’t miraculously recovered completely from the injury to feature in the IPL. There still is time before he makes a comeback onto the cricket field. Until then he is enjoying his time on the waves with his surfing board.

Steyn without reasoning why he stated this but would have definitely been nagged about it and so tweeted today- “For those that think I’ve miraculously recovered in time for the IPL, I haven’t. Im actually leaving for Bali today, surf trip. Peace.” He has been touted for a June return which will be perfect keeping the Champions Trophy in mind.

For those that think I've miraculously recovered in time for the IPL, I haven't.

Im actually leaving for Bali today, surf trip. Peace ?✌?

— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) March 21, 2017

As far as his IPL participation is concerned, Gujarat Lions the team that picked him in IPL 2016 auction and he featured for them in just 1 match and couldn’t pick a single wicket. They decided to release him from the squad ahead of the 2017 auction and since he isn’t fit the Proteas pacer hadn’t filed himself in the list of players available in the pool to be auctioned.

South African team management has been keeping a close eye on his rehabilitation progress and he seems to be on track to return at the most opportune time for him as well as the team.