After Delhi Capitals’ collapse in the IPL 2026, South African legend Dale Steyn said that modern batters are not preparing enough for hard lengths, a flaw exposed by Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar as well.

Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar dismantled the Delhi Capitals’ batting line-up by taking six wickets in first four overs, helping RCB dismiss DC for a mere 75 in 16.3 overs. Steyn also said that batters are not scared anymore too.

“Watching Buvi, Hazelwood, throw KG and Archer in there too, there’s a genuine fear from batters not because they scared, but they know exactly where these greats are going to bowl but don’t practice enough in that area to have answers,” (sic) Steyn wrote on X.

“The fear is technical skill, too deep into the tournament to change now, watch these bowlers continue to dominate. Its called a HARD length for a reason…” (sic) Steyn again added.

Meanwhile, former South African batter Herschelle Gibbs also gave the batting perspective to Steyn’s observations, stating that batters do not charge against bowlers down the pitch enough as well.

“No batter keen to run at them to get them off their lengths,” Gibbs replied.