World Cup 2019: Dale has struggled really hard, he needs love, says Du Plessis

Proteas skipper Faf du Plessis acknowledged the veteran speedster’s struggle, stating that the latter needs ‘love’ at the moment

Dale Steyn’s unfortunate exit from the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup has left the rest of South African players disappointed. The veteran speedster failed to recover from a shoulder injury which forced the board taking a major step. A day ahead of the clash against India in Southampton, Proteas skipper Faf du Plessis acknowledged the veteran speedster’s struggle, stating that the latter needs ‘love’ at the moment. “Dale has struggled really hard to get back into the team. It's been a tough two-and-a-half year for him and he would need support right now. It's important that us as the team and the management make sure there are things in place for him to assist him, to be there for him. He needs love at the moment, Du Plessis said at the pre-match press conference. “It's a tough time for him. He's tried really hard to get fit for this campaign. He was bowling unbelievably well in the lead-up to this tournament and the IPL he was at his best. Unfortunately, it happened there in the IPL in those two games that he played there,” the skipper said. While he didn't blame IPL but Du Plessis was thinking aloud what if Steyn wasn't picked by the RCB as a late replacement. “Had he not been picked up for IPL, who knows where Dale would have been right now. We can't control that. So it is important for me that we make sure that we are there for him because I know he's been trying hard to make sure he is ready to try and make an impact on which will be his last World Cup.” The 2019 World Cup was supposed to be his last World Cup and this injury could well mean a sad end to the career of one of the greatest fast bowlers of the modern era.