New Delhi
Former South African fast-bowling legend Dale Steyn believes modern batters are failing to prepare adequately against hard-length bowling, a weakness brutally exposed during Delhi Capitals’ shocking collapse against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2026.
Steyn made the remarks after Delhi were bowled out for just 75 runs in 16.3 overs, suffering one of the most dramatic batting collapses in IPL history. RCB pacers Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar ripped through the top order, claiming six wickets inside the first four overs.
Reacting to the collapse, Steyn said the issue was not fear but inadequate technical preparation against bowlers who consistently hit demanding lengths.
“Watching Buvi, Hazlewood, throw KG and Archer in there too, there’s a genuine fear from batters not because they are scared, but they know exactly where these greats are going to bowl and don’t practice enough in that area to have answers,” Steyn wrote on X.
The former pacer added that such bowlers continue to dominate because batters struggle technically against deliveries pitched on a hard length.
“The fear is technical skill, too deep into the tournament to change now. Watch these bowlers continue to dominate. It’s called a hard length for a reason,” he added.
Steyn also referenced fellow fast bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Jofra Archer as examples of bowlers who consistently trouble batters with disciplined lengths and pace.
Former South African batter Herschelle Gibbs echoed Steyn’s observations and suggested that batters have become reluctant to counterattack by charging down the pitch.
“No batter keen to run at them to get them off their lengths,” Gibbs replied on social media.
The collapse came just days after Delhi Capitals had smashed 264 for 2 against Punjab Kings, underlining the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket and the continued value of quality fast bowling in the tournament.