Did Dale Steyn Just Say Goodbye to Sunrisers Eastern Cape?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Dale Steyn leaves a lasting legacy with Sunrisers Eastern Cape.
- He guided the team to two championship victories.
- Steyn's coaching tenure has established the franchise as a powerhouse.
- His departure opens doors for new coaching opportunities.
- Steyn remains one of cricket's legendary fast bowlers.
New Delhi, July 7 (NationPress) Legendary South African fast bowler Dale Steyn has declared his exit from Sunrisers Eastern Cape, marking the conclusion of a prosperous three-year journey as the bowling coach in the SA20 league.
Steyn, who joined the coaching team at the league's launch in 2023, was instrumental in leading the franchise to significant achievements, including two championship victories.
On Monday, the 42-year-old confirmed his departure via social media, expressing heartfelt appreciation for the team and its management. "Massive thanks to Sunrisers EC," Steyn stated on X (formerly Twitter). "It’s been an incredible experience collaborating with the finest management and coaching staff I’ve ever encountered. Three seasons and three finals, two wins and one runner-up, what more could anyone desire? I cherished every moment." He further wished, "Best of luck to the team for season 4. Thank you and take care."
During Steyn's coaching era, the Sunrisers Eastern Cape established themselves as a dominant force in the SA20, securing consecutive titles in 2023 and 2024, while finishing as runners-up in the 2025 season, highlighting their supremacy in the league's early years.
Interestingly, Steyn's exit from Eastern Cape comes after his previous decision to leave his position as the bowling coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Appointed ahead of the 2022 season, he withdrew from IPL 2024 for personal reasons, with James Franklin stepping in during his absence. SRH made it to their first IPL final since 2018 under new head coach Daniel Vettori, ultimately losing to the Kolkata Knight Riders.
Steyn, renowned as one of the greatest fast bowlers in cricket history, shares a profound connection with the Sunrisers franchise, both as a player and a coach. Throughout his playing career, he represented SRH, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the now-defunct Gujarat Lions, and Deccan Chargers in the IPL.