Dale Steyn has revealed that former Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez was the batter he most enjoyed bowling against during his international career. Asked by Vernon Philander which batter he would still like to bowl to, the former South African fast bowler picked Hafeez, saying he had dismissed him around 16 times. Steyn made the choice largely because of his success against the Pakistan batter.

Steyn is widely regarded as one of the leading fast bowlers of his generation. Across his international career, he claimed 439 wickets in 93 Tests, 196 wickets in 125 ODIs and 64 wickets in 47 T20Is. His overall tally across the three formats stands at 699 wickets, with his combination of express pace, movement and aggression making him a major threat to batters during his career.

The former South Africa pacer has also recently spoken highly of India's teenage batting prospect Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Steyn said the young left-hander could eventually achieve more than legendary Indian batters Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli if his development is managed properly. He described Sooryavanshi as a rare talent and a valuable prospect for Indian cricket.

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Sooryavanshi had a standout IPL 2026 campaign, scoring 776 runs and winning the Orange Cap. His performances subsequently earned him a place in India's T20I squad for the tour of Ireland and England. Steyn believes the teenager already possesses qualities that set him apart from many established international players.

While praising Sooryavanshi's potential, Steyn also stressed the importance of managing the youngster carefully as his career develops. He said the expectations surrounding a player with such ability can bring significant pressure and warned that failing to look after him properly could affect his long-term progress. According to Steyn, the talent comes with both major opportunities and responsibilities.

Steyn's comments come as he continues to follow the progress of the next generation of cricketers after an international career that established him among the game's premier fast bowlers. His remarks about Sooryavanshi underline the high expectations surrounding the young Indian batter, while his answer on Hafeez offers a glimpse into the match-ups he particularly remembers from his own career.

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