Steyn wanted to see more of Mr. 360 degree, AB de Villiers.
AB de Villiers' retirement was something that wasn't expected by the cricketing world. His sudden announcement to say goodbye to international cricket struck the cricket fraternity hard.
De Villiers' national teammate Dale Steyn is disappointed with the thought that he won't get to watch his friend play again. The Proteas pacer talked about the positive effect of the 34-year-old in the South African team.
“As a matter of fact, there will be quite a bit of disappointment that he won’t be playing anymore. I have always felt good playing against the best, so when you see one of the best players drop out of international cricket, it is a sad day, because the point of challenging yourself against the best is gone. From another side, it is a relief because a lot of bowlers will go: ‘I’m not going to have as many sleepless nights’,” Steyn said, as per ESPN Cricinfo.
It's a known fact that presence of a great player helps others in the dressing room to improve as well. The veteran cricketer inspired lots of young cricketers of this generation. Steyn believes De Villiers isn't aware that he has helped other South African players to do well.
“His excellence rubs off on other people. When you are in the company of greatness, there is only one thing to do, to raise your game. I actually sent him a message yesterday and said to him, I don’t think I would be half as good as people think I am if it wasn’t for him being on the team. Without him even knowing, he made more than half the players in our team excellent players,” he told.