Legendary South African fast bowler Dale Steyn has publicly questioned the national selectors' decision to exclude promising pacer Ottniel Baartman from the country's squad for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024. Steyn, known for his incisive views, expressed his surprise and disappointment over the omission, suggesting the team might have missed a crucial trick.
Steyn's Strong Critique of the Selection Call
In a candid conversation, the former speedster did not mince his words. Dale Steyn highlighted Ottniel Baartman's exceptional recent performances as the primary reason for his bewilderment. Baartman was a standout performer for the Sunrisers Eastern Cape in their triumphant SA20 campaign earlier this year, finishing as the tournament's second-highest wicket-taker. His ability to bowl difficult overs, especially at the death, impressed many.
"We really need to start looking at Baartman," Steyn asserted, emphasizing the bowler's current form and skillset. He pointed out that Baartman possesses a unique set of abilities that are highly valuable in the shortest format of the game. Steyn's argument centers on the idea that form and specific role-playing should be paramount in tournament selection, especially for an event as high-stakes as the World Cup.
The Context: South Africa's Pace Bowling Line-Up
The Proteas' selected pace attack for the World Cup includes established names like Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, and Marco Jansen, alongside all-rounder Ottneil Baartman. While this is a formidable group on paper, Steyn's concern revolves around the specific skill of bowling at the death—a phase where games in T20 cricket are often won or lost.
Steyn elaborated that Baartman has demonstrated a rare proficiency in this high-pressure area. His variations, control, and calm demeanor at the end of an innings marked him as a specialist. By leaving him out, Steyn fears South Africa has lost a dedicated weapon for the crucial final overs, a role not every fast bowler can execute successfully under global scrutiny.
Implications for South Africa's World Cup Campaign
The T20 World Cup 2024 is scheduled to be co-hosted by the West Indies and the USA in June. South Africa, perennially seeking to shed their 'chokers' tag in ICC events, will be aiming for a maiden title. Team selection, therefore, comes under immense microscope, with every choice being debated by fans and experts alike.
Dale Steyn's comments add significant weight to this debate. As one of the greatest fast bowlers of the modern era, his insight into pace bowling dynamics is highly respected. His public support for Baartman is not just a casual opinion but a technical assessment of what the squad might be lacking. This raises questions about whether the selectors prioritized reputation and past records over current, niche form.
Only time will tell if this selection decision will haunt the Proteas during the tournament. However, Steyn's clear and pointed critique ensures that Ottniel Baartman's name will remain in the conversation, especially if South Africa's death bowling falters in the Caribbean and the United States. The onus is now on the chosen bowlers to validate the selectors' faith and prove Steyn's concerns unfounded.
