Royal Challengers Bangalore pacer Dale Steyn was on Thursday ruled out of the Indian Premier League owing to inflammation in his shoulder. The veteran South African fast bowler, who had recently joined RCB as a replacement for injured Nathan Coulter-Nile, was forced to sit out of the match against Kings XI Punjab here on Wednesday after he picked up a niggle.
"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," Sanjeev Churiwala, Chairman of RCB, said in a statement.
The injury-prone pacer had returned to the IPL after a gap of two years and straight away contributed to team's winning cause by picking up four wickets in two games -- against Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings.
"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," RCB Chairman said.
With the ODI World Cup scheduled to start on May 30, Steyn may not be willing to aggravate his injury. The shoulder injury that the 35-year-old had suffered in Perth against Australia in 2016 kept him out of action for two years. Steyn went unsold in the 2018 and 2019 auctions. He had last played for the now-defunct Gujarat Lions in 2016.
South Africa keeping an eye on injured Steyn
South Africa also are facing an anxious wait over the fitness of Steyn
"Upon assessment and subsequent investigations, a flare-up of his right shoulder was confirmed," South Africa team manager Mohammed Moosajee said in a statement on Thursday. "With the World Cup around the corner, it is our priority to get him back to full fitness before the squad departs on May 19."
"He will consult with a shoulder specialist upon his return and a recovery plan will be put in place."
Steyn, arguably his country's greatest fast bowler, was last week named in a 15-man squad for the World Cup being held in England and Wales, having previously appeared at the tournament in 2011 and 2015.
Steyn is viewed as a key part of a three-man pace attack that also includes Lungi Ngidi and Kagiso Rabada, this season's leading wicket-taker in the IPL.
South Africa open the World Cup campaign against England at The Oval on May 30.
