In a blow to Royal Challengers Bangalore’s hopes of making it to the playoffs of IPL 2019, Dale Steyn has been ruled out of the tournament with a inflammation in his shoulder. Steyn who had come into the RCB squad as a replacement for Nathan Coulter-Nile, impressed everyone in his two games this year. Against KKR he took two early wickets with the new ball and against CSK, in the opening over of the match dismissed Shane Watson and Suresh Raina off successive balls. His incisive bowling at the top helped RCB notch up consecutive wins.

Steyn suffered the injury after the game against Chennai Super Kings on April 21. He was not a part of the playing XI against KXIP on April 24 as the franchise rested him. He will now fly back home to consult a specialist. The franchise confirmed Steyn’s absence through an official statement, released on Thursday (April 25). 

“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. His presence has helped the team immensely and we are very thankful for the inspiration and passion that he brought to the squad,” read the statement given by Sanjeev Churiwala, Chairman of RCB.

“The team will deeply miss his energy and presence around. We wish him a speedy recovery and all the luck for all future endeavours.”

 Steyn is a part of the 15-man South African World Cup squad and is expected to recover in time to be a part of the mega event.