South African pace legend Dale Steyn believes that T20 cricket demands bowlers with a strong wicket-taking mindset. Over the years, the shortest format of the game has evolved, with batters adopting an ultra-aggressive approach, making 200-plus scores a common sight. Despite this batting dominance, Steyn highlighted that a few bowlers still have the ability to turn the game around single-handedly. Among them, he singled out Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah and South African speedster Kagiso Rabada for their match-winning abilities.
Bumrah and Rabada Stand Out as Game-Changers
Jasprit Bumrah has consistently proven to be India’s go-to bowler in high-pressure situations. During the 2024 T20 World Cup, he played a pivotal role in securing India’s long-awaited title after 17 years, reaffirming his status as one of the best in the world. Steyn, while analyzing modern-day fast bowling, categorized Bumrah and Rabada as bowlers who possess an exceptional wicket-taking mentality.
Speaking to The Cricket Monthly, Steyn said, “The game has changed a lot, honestly, with T20 cricket. And what I mean by that is the way batters approach the game these days. So when I’m looking for bowlers, especially in the (T20) leagues where I do a little bit of coaching, I’m looking for the guys that have got the ability to take wickets – massive wicket-taking mentality. You look at guys like Jasprit Bumrah, he’s probably the all-in-all package, him and KG Rabada.”
As the IPL 2025 season approaches, Rabada is set to represent the Gujarat Titans, while Bumrah, recovering from a back injury, will miss Mumbai Indians’ initial games.
‘Speed Alone Isn’t Enough’—Steyn on What Makes a Great Bowler
Steyn further emphasized that success in T20 cricket isn’t just about bowling at extreme speeds. While some fast bowlers focus on clocking 155kph, Steyn believes that true impact comes from the ability to strike at crucial moments. He pointed out that bowlers like Bumrah and Rabada provide captains with a reliable option in any game situation.
“They’ve got the ability to come and bowl at any particular time in a game and take a wicket. Those guys are like gold. So if you can produce more bowlers like that, we’ll start to see our fast-bowling stock get so much better,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of game awareness, he added, “It’s not just about bowling 155kph these days or having tens of different types of skills, it’s really about being able to break the game open when your captain needs it.”
The Need to Develop More Wicket-Taking Pacers
Steyn’s views underline the importance of nurturing fast bowlers who can turn matches in their team’s favor. While raw pace and variations are valuable assets, the ability to take wickets at crucial junctures remains the ultimate game-changer in T20 cricket. If teams can identify and develop more bowlers with this mindset, fast-bowling stocks will continue to improve, ensuring a better balance between bat and ball in the evolving format.
