I’m not sure we’ll see that again: Dale Steyn on Dwayne Smith's performance

The South African pace bowler, Dale Steyn who is playing for Gujarat Lions in this season of the IPL was surprised and praised Dwayne Smith, after his match-winning performance.

Dwayne Smith led Gujarat Lions to a match winning performance, not with the bat, but with the bowl by picking up 4 wickets with 18 dot balls and had figures of 4-0-8-4 against Kolkata Knight Riders. There was a similar kind of bowling performance by Dwayne Smith for England against India in the 2013 Champions Trophy final, which India won.

“Sometimes the pressure of a ‘must win’ moment produces new and unexpected heroes. I am not suggesting for a moment that Dwayne Smith is not a big-match player, but with the ball? I’m not sure we’ll see that again. Never mind the four wickets, he bowled 18 dot balls and that is incredible”, said Steyn.

Also, read – Dwayne Smith is our main all-rounder: Suresh Raina

Steyn has just played one match in the tournament so far, but he admired the captaincy of Suresh Raina and praised him for his performance against KKR. He stated, “Suresh, met the challenge head-on and played a classic, composed captain’s innings. It was so important for us to bounce back after a couple of hiccups. Every team is only as good as its last game and we were very good on Thursday”, he quoted as according to Times of India (Mumbai).

Steyn was also impressed with the way the playoffs work in the IPL. “I enjoy the way the playoffs work and there is certainly enough incentive to make sure you get two bites at the cherry to make the final. It’s a long season and it would be wrong if the top four teams simply played two semifinals and a final. It’s right that the top two teams have a second chance to reach the final -all the players I have spoken agree that the system works”, added Steyn.

Even though there is not a great chance for Gujarat Lions to change their combination, he prepares himself for every game as if he is playing – “I’m still ready and raring to go if I’m needed. The balance of the team has been one of our greatest weapons so the composition is unlikely to change now, but you never know. Like the rest of the squad, I still prepare before every game like I’m playing”, concluded the South African.