Dale Steyn ruled out of IPL, big blow for Royal Challengers Bangalore’s playoff hopes

Dale Steyn’s arrival for the Royal Challengers Bangalore has boosted the franchise’s playoff chances. He picked up 2/40 and 2/29 against Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings respectively and his breakthroughs during the powerplay helped the side immensely. Steyn’s arrival has seen a resurgence in Royal Challengers Bangalore, with Virat Kohli’s side winning four out of the five games. However, Kohli’s team have been dealt a massive blow ahead for the remainder of the games as Steyn has been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament due to an ‘inflammed shoulder’. The news was confirmed in a statement by Royal Challengers Bangalore chairman Sanjeev Churiwala.

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

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Steyn did not play in the game against Kings XI Punjab as Royal Challengers Bangalore won by 17 runs. The pacers injury will also put pressure on South Africa, who will be sweating on his fitness ahead of the tournament opener against England which will begin on May 30. The injury-prone pacer had returned to the IPL after a gap of two years and straight away contributed to the team's winning cause by picking up four wickets in two games.

A groin injury that he sustained in the India series in 2015 curtailed his participation and he was ruled out for a couple of months. He returned for the series against England and put in a magnificent performance in the Boxing Day Test in Durban when he picked up 4/70 but in the second innings, he suffered a shoulder injury which prolonged his time on the sidelines. A fractured shoulder led to surgery and he was sidelined for 14 months. It seemed that the record would be out of Steyn’s reach. When he returned for the India series in 2018 in Cape Town, he got two wickets but in the second innings, an injured heel resulted in him missing the series and also the four Tests against Australia.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Royal Challengers Bangalore are still in the hunt for the playoffs.
• Dale Steyn has been plagued by injuries for the last four years.
• Steyn first featured for Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2008.