Indian captain Virat Kohli has sympathised with South African fast bowler Dale Steyn, who was ruled out of the ongoing World Cup in the United Kingdom on Tuesday.

Kohli captained Steyn at the Royal Challengers Bangalore during the Indian Premier League earlier this year. They would likely have opposed each other during Wednedsay’s fixture at the Rose Bowl in Southampton, had Steyn not been sidelined by a shoulder injury.

‘I feel really bad for Dale. He looked really happy. He was bowling really well and then suddenly we found out that he was not going to be able to continue. I feel bad for him because he has been a friend for a very long time,’ said Kohli.

‘He is a motivated guy. He has been very happy to come back and play for South Africa. He has been doing very well. He still has the hunger and passion, but those niggles and injuries are just not going his way. I can understand his frustration about those injuries. I wish him a speedy recovery.

‘He was looking in a great mental space, enjoying his cricket, bowling really well. I can understand how he must be feeling and I am feeling bad for him.’

Steyn has been replaced in the squad by left-arm seamer Beuran Hendricks. The Proteas will seek an opening tournament victory against the Indians, having lost to England and Bangladesh at The Oval in London last week.

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