IPL 2019: Dale Steyn Ruled Out due to Injury

Royal Challengers Bangalore announced on Thursday that their strike bowler, Dale Steyn has been ruled out of the remaining IPL 2019 due to a shoulder injury.

“Dale Steyn has been prescribed with ample rest due to inflammation in his shoulder. On account of state of his health, Dale will not be available to take part further in the ongoing season of IPL 2019,” the chairman of RCB, Sanjeev Churiwala, said in a statement.

The South-African pacer went unsold in the IPL 2019 auctions. But the 35-year-old joined the Virat Kohli led franchise, last week, replacing Nathan Coulter-Nile. Dale Steyn brought about a change in fortune for RCB. Case in point, RCB registering three consecutive victories after beating KXIP on Wednesday. Tables started to turn for the bottom-ranked Bangalore after Steyn’s arrival.

In his short tenure in the IPL 2019, he first featured in the matchup against KKR. Steyn took 2 wickets, giving 40 runs in 4 overs. In the next match against CSK, he took 2 crucial wickets in two balls. Moreover, Dale brought the positivity in the bowling attack of RCB. Umesh Yadav and Navdeep Saini got back their confidence which helped RCB to win crucial matches. RCB took a total of seven wickets in the powerplay in the two matches, which the bowling attack has failed to manage in the previous nine matches collectively.

“His presence has helped the team immensely and we are very thankful for the inspiration and passion that he brought to the squad. The team will deeply miss his energy and presence around.  We wish him a speedy recovery and all the luck for all future endeavours,” Said the Chairman.

Dale Steyn didn’t play against KXIP due to a discomfort in his shoulder. The problem started in the match against CSK. “Dale felt discomfort after playing his second match at the tournament,” said the team manager doctor.

As per the rules, no replacements are allowed after seven matches. So, RCB will have to make use of their available resources. It will be interesting to see if the side continues their winning ways after the departure of Dale Steyn in the IPL 2019.