Dale Steyn: Revisiting a modern day legend's career through pictures

2008-2013 – The golden run

Steyn with the remainder of the SA pace quartet at the launch of the World T20 in 2007

Against India, he continued his outstanding form of 2007-08, picking up 15 wickets despite the encounters being high scoring, to move up the ladder in the ICC rankings. 75 wickets in 11 Tests meant that he climbed atop the rankings in no time, sharing honours with Muttiah Muralitharan for the No. 1 spot.

He was a part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore outfit in the first edition of the IPL, having been roped in for $325,000 for the Bangalore-based franchise. He played with the likes of Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble and a young Virat Kohli in RCB’s wretched campaign.

Dale Steyn won the ICC Test Cricketer of the Year award in 2008

The icing on the cake came with him winning the ICC Test Cricketer of the Year award in 2008.He picked up his 200th Test wicket, and 14th five-for, in only his 38th Test, showing how he was one of the best in the business on his day.

Steyn was the wrecker-in-chief for South Africa against India in their World Cup clash in 2011

In the 2011 World Cup, he turned up with his best ODI performance against India, picking up his first five-wicket haul as he spearheaded a remarkable collapse of the hosts. India lost nine wickets for a mere 29 runs and eventually lost the match.

2011 onwards, Dale Steyn played for the Deccan Chargers

Later that year, he breached the coveted one million barrier in the IPL, being contracted for $1.2m by the Deccan Chargers. He later went on to play for the Sunrisers Hyderabad as well, though his fortunes tapered off with each passing season.In his 49th Test, he went past the 250-wicket mark, becoming the second fastest bowler after Australia’s Dennis Lillee in December 2011.