I was anxiously waiting to meet the fastest bowler in International Cricket today, Dale Steyn of South Africa. Dale has tremendous fan following around the World. When bowling, he truly looks lethal!

Dale entered the room casually followed by a security personnel and I was surprised to meet this young, polite and humorous guy who looked like any other normal youngster. I quickly noticed his artistic and fine looking fingers and wondered, are these the hands that scare the wits of many a batsmen.

Dale said, “I love being here in Hyderabad and never miss a chance of eating the famous Hyderabad Biryani. I just love it. I am happy to play for Deccan Chargers, the IPL 2009 Champions. All the boys are gelling well. We haven’t managed many wins, but surely are trying to win the remaining matches”.

He is overwhelmed with the support and encouragement of Chargers Fans who are loudly cheering the team at the Uppal Stadium, Hyderabad. Dale feels it is important to bring smiles to fans' faces with good performance. He says, the fans should come and watch the match live at the stadium. They will surely enjoy, the great bouncy pitch with wickets flying!

Dale himself is a big fan of Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo, the West Indies players who he says, are unbelievably skilled; admires the professionalism of Jacques Kallis and the high talent of AB de Villiers, his colleagues. He tries to imbibe the qualities his heroes demonstrate.

He adds, “I feel very happy when I get recognized by people who I watched play when I was young. I feel honoured when I hear my name being taken by the likes of Wasim Akram, Ian Botham and Allan Donald”.

He enjoys bowling to his own friends and countrymen who belong to the rival IPL teams. He says,” it is interesting that the batsmen are looking to hit you for a four and I want them out. I play to win and compete and my loyalties are with the team I belong, the Deccan Chargers”.

When asked about the dictum he follows in his professional and personal life, Dale said, “I love Cricket and I try and have fun. Unless you enjoy and have fun in whatever you do, you cannot excel. The more you polish your skills, the more you get better”.

On a closing note, Dale’s advice to youngsters who want to take up sports as a profession, “Don’t be too serious, or you will screw up. Do whatever to the best of your ability and basically enjoy what you do”.

It was wonderful meeting this happy-go-lucky Cricketer par excellence!