Not Virat Kohli! Dale Steyn Says He Was Ready To Take Pay Cut To Play Under This Captain In IPL - Watch

Dale Steyn was one of the best bowlers of his time. The right-arm pacer used to trouble the batsmen with his pace and swing. He dominated on the global stage for many years and was the top-ranked bowler in his prime. Steyn also showcased his class in IPL and he scalped 97 wickets in 95 matches. Steyn maintained an economy rate of 6.91.Steyn started his IPL career with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). He joined Deccan Chargers in 2011 and moved to Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2013. He represented the Gujarat Lions in IPL 2016.Steyn made his comeback to RCB in 2019 but his return was cut short by an injury. He played his last IPL game in 2020. From Virat Kohli to Rahul Dravid, Steyn played under different captains in IPL. But he always wanted to play under MS Dhoni.Speaking to Pdoggspeaks YouTube channel, Steyn said that he was even willing to take a pay cut and was ready to get benched to play under the former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain. Dhoni also captained Rising Pune Supergiant in one IPL season."I have always been a big admirer of MS Dhoni and I always asked the players playing in Chennai, 'How does he work because I'm a bowler, he is a captain, a wicketkeeper. There's a good relation between the captain and a wicketkeeper and a bowler and wicketkeeper. So, I wanted to know how that relationship works. So there was always a part of me that hoped I might get the nod from Chennai and might be able to go over there," Steyn said."I just wanted to be in that environment, just to see how this man, who has won World Cups, ICC Champions Trophy, IPLs, how does his mind and how does he function. I was even willing to take a pay cut or play cut."

Dale Steyn : In fact, I was even willing to take a pay cut just to be in the CSK environment. I was ready to sit on CSK's bench if it meant being part of the team.#WhistlePodu #IPL #CSK @MSDhonipic.twitter.com/vOOXNBQPLY

— MSDian™ (@ItzThanesh) November 3, 2024

Steyn retired from professional cricket in 2021. He took up commentary and coaching after quitting the game. He played 93 Tests, 125 ODIs and 47 T20Is during his long international career.