South African fast bowler Dale Steyn has all but ruled himself out of the 2017 Indian Premier League (IPL).
Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Steyn said he is likely to return only in June 2017 having undergone shoulder surgery last month. With the IPL set to be played in April and May, that all but rules the Proteas star out of the franchise-based T20 league.
The 33-year-old – who is considered by many as the greatest bowler of his generation – played just one match in IPL 2016 as his side, Gujarat Lions, preferred the all-round abilities of West Indies’ Dwayne Bravo and Australia’s James Faulkner.
Over the last year, Steyn has missed significant parts of Test series against India, England and Australia. With that in mind, he wants to give himself an extended rest and make sure he is completely fit before taking the field.
Dale Steyn eyes June 2017 return...his first test will be against England at Lords (July 6)#SteynGun
— JSK 🆎 🏏 (@imjsk27) December 14, 2016
“June is realistic for South Africa. I haven’t had a long break like this in a good few years and every season I go into it with something wrong, whether it be a little hammie (hamstring injury) or whatever,” said Steyn.
“It will be nice to go into a season, starting in June, and confidently know that I am really strong and in a good place.”
With the ICC Champions Trophy beginning on June 1, it’ll be interesting to see if Steyn makes himself available for the tournament as the Proteas aim to win their first ICC tournament since 1998.
