“I Don’t Lick Boots”: Dale Steyn Fires Back At Critic Over Ben Stokes-Jadeja 4th Test Controversy
Veteran South African fast bowler Dale Steyn, widely respected for his raw pace and fierce on-field persona, has never been one to mince words. That reputation held true this week as the retired speedster responded sharply to an online dig suggesting he was “licking boots” for defending Ben Stokes in the aftermath of the controversial 4th Test incident involving Ravindra Jadeja.
The incident, which took place during the high-voltage England vs India 4th Test in Manchester, triggered a flurry of opinions from fans and former cricketers alike. But it was Dale Steyn’s balanced take on the matter that invited unexpected backlash — and one particular troll caught the wrong end of Steyn’s temper.
The Controversy: What Happened Between Stokes & Jadeja?
During the tense Day 3 of the 4th Test, Ravindra Jadeja was dismissed in a questionable fashion — caught behind after Ben Stokes appeared to celebrate the wicket a fraction too early. While it wasn’t a clear violation of the spirit of the game, many Indian fans saw Stokes’ aggressive celebration as unsporting and disrespectful. Social media erupted with polarized opinions, and former players soon weighed in.
Dale Steyn, who has always been known for upholding the spirit of the game while maintaining intensity, offered a neutral yet firm stance.
“I don’t think Stokes did anything out of line. He plays hard cricket, just like we all did. This wasn’t about disrespect; it was a heat-of-the-moment thing. Jadeja would’ve done the same,” Steyn tweeted.
The Troll That Sparked a Fire
Steyn’s post didn’t sit well with a section of Indian fans, some of whom accused him of being biased towards England. One user wrote:
“Stop licking English boots. You’re no longer playing, why this need to stay in their good books?”
It didn’t take long for Steyn to respond — and he didn’t hold back.
“I don’t lick boots, my friend. I’ve earned every ounce of respect on and off the field with blood and sweat, not flattery.”
“If giving a fair opinion means ‘boot licking’ to you, perhaps it’s your vision that’s clouded by bias, not mine.”
His retort drew applause from fans across nationalities, with many praising the former pacer for defending his integrity and standing by his unbiased viewpoint.
Dale Steyn: Not Just A Fast Bowler, But A Straight Shooter
Steyn’s fiery response isn’t surprising to those who’ve followed his career. Known for his no-nonsense approach, Steyn is often brutally honest — be it during his playing days or now as a commentator and cricket analyst.
While many ex-cricketers choose diplomacy or silence in the face of online hate, Steyn has been vocal about calling out toxic fan behavior, especially when it crosses the line into personal insults.
The Bigger Picture: The Spirit Of The Game Debate
The Steyn-Stokes-Jadeja episode reflects a larger ongoing debate in international cricket — where to draw the line between aggression and unsporting behavior. While cricket has become more intense and expressive, especially in the era of T20s, fan interpretations of sportsmanship vary wildly across borders.
Former cricketers like Gautam Gambhir, Michael Vaughan, and Wasim Akram have all echoed similar sentiments recently — that cricket must remain competitive, but within bounds of respect.
As Steyn pointed out later in a follow-up tweet:
“It’s easy to judge from a screen. On the field, adrenaline takes over. That’s what makes Test cricket beautiful — raw, real, and human.”
Fans React: Steyn Earns Respect Yet Again
After the spat went viral, fans and fellow cricketers came forward in support of Steyn:
- “Dale doesn’t need to lick anyone’s boots. His bowling record speaks louder than any words.”
- “Respect to Steyn for being fair. National bias has ruined cricket discussions online.”
- “Steyn showed the same fire in his reply as he did with the ball.”
Dale Steyn’s career is a masterclass in intensity, consistency, and integrity. His recent run-in with an online troll isn’t just a social media spat — it’s a reminder of how cricketers, even after retirement, continue to battle not just on fields, but in forums that now shape the narrative of the sport.
In the age of viral opinions and keyboard warriors, Steyn remains a rare voice — fast, fearless, and fair.
