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Legendary South Africa pacer Dale Steyn has criticised batters in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 for not practising enough to counter quality pacers like Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Kagiso Rabada and Jofra Archer. Steyn reckons that they don’t have enough practice against the hard length and it’s too late into the tournament to acquire the technical skill. As a result, these pacers will continue to dominate.
“Watching Buvi [Bhuvneshwar], Hazelwood, throw KG and Archer in there too, there’s a genuine fear from batters not because they scared, but they know exactly where these greats are going to bowl but don’t practice enough in that area to have answers,” Steyn wrote on X on April 28.
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“The fear is technical skill, too deep into the tournament to change now, watch these bowlers continue to dominate.
“Its called a HARD length for a reason.”
ALSO READ: 'Really very tough to take': Delhi Capitals co-owner reacts to 75 all out and big loss to RCB
Steyn’s comment came after Delhi Capitals (DC) were bowled out for 75 by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). On a batting paradise of a wicket, Bhuvneshwar and Hazlewood had reduced DC to 9/6 in four overs. A couple of days after posting 264/2 at the same venue, the DC batting lineup crumbled.
Bhuvneshwar claimed three wickets with the new ball. Hazlewood returned to wrap up the proceedings, picking up four wickets for 12 runs.
Pacers lead purple cap race
Currently, the purple cap race is dominated by pacers. Bhuvneshwar has the purple cap with 14 wickets from eight games at an average of 16.85. Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) Anshul Kamboj and Sunrisers Hyderabad's (SRH) Eshan Malinga have 14 wickets each to their name as well. Rajasthan Royals' (RR) Archer has 14 wickets from eight innings. Gujarat Titans' (GT) Kagiso Rabada is not far behind with 13 wickets from eight games.
The only spinner who has more than 10 wickets in IPL 2026 is RR's Ravi Bishnoi. The leg-spinner has 11 wickets from eight games.
Meanwhile, another quality pacer, Mitchell Starc is set to play his first game this season on May 1, boosting DC. Also, Punjab Kings’ (PBKS) Lockie Ferguson has recently joined the squad but yet to get a game.
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