Dale Steyn has been ruled out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019 with an injured shoulder after playing just two matches for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
Steyn joined RCB last week as replacement for Nathan Coulter-Nile in the world’s biggest T20 tournament. He has been included in South Africa’s 15-man squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup starting next month.
The 35-year-old missed RCB’s match against Kings XI Punjab on Wednesday with skipper Virat Kohli saying the speedster had a “shoulder niggle”.
Steyn has been asked to take “ample rest due to inflammation in his shoulder,” Royal Challengers chairman Sanjeev Churiwala said in a statement.
“Dale will not be available to take part further in the ongoing season of IPL,” he said.
“The team will deeply miss his energy and presence around. We wish him a speedy recovery and all the luck for all future endeavours.”
South Africa’s team manager, Dr Mohammed Moosajee reasoned the need to get the pacer on the recovery process at the earliest.
“Dale felt discomfort after playing his second match at the tournament. Upon assessment and subsequent investigations, a flare-up of his right shoulder was confirmed,” said Moosajee.
“With the World Cup around the corner, it is our priority to get him back to full fitness before the squad departs on May 19th. He will consult with a shoulder specialist upon his return and a recovery plan will be put in place.”
Steyn’s inclusion provided an instant impetus to RCB’s bowling unit, particularly in the new-ball passage as the pacer struck twice in each of the two encounters that he was part of. Steyn’s exit means that New Zealand pacer Tim Southee will have to step up, unless the team management opts for one of the Indian fast bowlers to take up the spot.
