Rajat Patidar Names Dale Steyn Over Jasprit Bumrah as His Pick for Best IPL Fast Bowler

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) skipper Rajat Patidar has sparked discussion after selecting former South African pacer Dale Steyn over Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah when asked to name the best fast bowler in IPL history.

Bumrah, one of the most successful bowlers in the tournament, has represented Mumbai Indians since his debut in 2013. He has featured in 146 IPL matches and taken 183 wickets, making him the joint second-highest wicket-taking fast bowler in the league. He has also played a crucial role in Mumbai Indians’ five IPL title victories.

Despite Bumrah’s stellar record, Patidar, in a recent interaction featured in a Cricbuzz video, picked Dale Steyn as his preferred choice. Steyn, widely regarded as one of the greatest fast bowlers of his generation, played in the IPL between 2008 and 2020, representing Deccan Chargers, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Gujarat Lions. He claimed 97 wickets in 95 matches during his IPL career.

In the same discussion, Patidar also made several notable choices across categories. He named Rohit Sharma as the best IPL captain, ahead of MS Dhoni. Dhoni, who continues to be a central figure for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026, is the joint-most successful captain in IPL history with five titles and a record number of match wins. Rohit Sharma, meanwhile, has also led Mumbai Indians to five IPL championships, making him one of the most successful captains in the league.

Patidar’s other selections included Virat Kohli as the best batter, Faf du Plessis as the best fielder, Sunil Narine as the best spinner, AB de Villiers as the best finisher, and Jasprit Bumrah as the best death bowler in the IPL.

When asked about his most memorable IPL moment, Patidar highlighted Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s maiden title win in 2025, stating that lifting the trophy as captain was the defining achievement of his IPL journey.