Dale Steyn credits Bhuvneshwar and Hazlewood for 'creating fear' with hard-length bowling

Former South African pacer hailed the outstanding powerplay spell from Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood against Delhi Capitals, while also praising compatriot Kagiso Rabada and England’s Jofra Archer for creating “genuine fear” among batters this IPL season with their relentless hard lengths, despite the high-scoring nature of the tournament.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood took turns to trouble the DC batters, cleverly mixing traditional Test-match lengths with a probing line outside off stump. Their relentless spell wreaked havoc in the powerplay, reducing Delhi Capitals to 13/6 at the end of six overs, the worst powerplay score in IPL history. DC were eventually bundled out for just 75, a target the defending champions chased down with ease.

Taking to X, Steyn wrote, "Watching Buvi, 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. 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..."

Bhuvneshwar Kumar currently holds the Purple Cap this season, with 14 wickets in eight innings at an average of 16.85 and an economy rate of 7.61, including best figures of 3/5. Josh Hazlewood, meanwhile, has picked up eight wickets at an average of 19.25, maintaining an economy rate of 7.89, with best figures of 4/12.

Kagiso Rabada has been exceptional in the powerplay, claiming 13 wickets at an average of 22.61 and an economy rate of 9.48, with best figures of 3/25. Jofra Archer, too, has thrived with his raw pace and traditional lengths, particularly against top-order batters in the powerplay, taking 13 wickets in eight matches at an average of 17.92 and an economy rate of 8.03, with best figures of 3/20.