IPL 2019: RCB's Dale Steyn ruled out of tournament; 'will deeply miss his energy', says team

Bengaluru: South Africa pacer Dale Steyn who recently joined the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) team in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL 2019), will not be seen in action with his team from now on. This came after the pacer faced severe pain in his shoulder. On Thursday (April 25), he was ruled out of the remainder of the tournament.

Steyn picked up a shoulder pain after a grand start to the season last week for the RCB. Steyn picked four wickets in two games against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). He was signed as a replacement player by RCB after Australian fast bowler Nathan Coulter-Nile was ruled out due to an injury.

“Dale 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," an official statement from the RCB said.

The statement further said, "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.”

In the past two seasons, Steyn went unsold in the auctions and last played for the no longer existing Gujarat Lions in 2016.

In 2016, Steyn picked up a shoulder injury in Perth against Australia which kept him out of action for two years.

On Wednesday (April 24), RCB completed a 17-run victory over Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) to keep their playoff hopes alive. Steyn did not the play at the match at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Steyn, who returned to RCB this season, had earlier played for the Bangalore franchise from the inaugural edition in 2008 to 2010.

RCB will next play Delhi Capitals in Delhi on April 28. After that they return home to host Rajasthan Royals on April 30.