Virat Kohli’s team Bengaluru have been dealt with a massive blow ahead of the business end of the campaign, as their star bowler Dale Steyn has been ruled out for the rest of the tournament owing to a shoulder inflammation problem.
Steyn, 35, joined Bengaluru as replacement of injured Nathan Coulter-Nile and led his team to two back-to-back victories over Kolkata and defending champions, Chennai. It was against the latter where he picked a knock on his shoulder, subsequently forcing his team to rest him against Punjab; a game which Bengaluru won by 17 runs.
It has, however, been confirmed that the pacer will play no further part for the rest of the tournament and has flown back home for the rehabilitation given that he is a part of South Africa’s squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup in England.
"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 team Bengaluru’s chairman, Sanjeev Churiwala.
"The team will deeply miss his energy and presence around. We wish him a speedy recovery and all the luck for all future endeavours."
The 25-year-old had initially sustained his shoulder injury against Australia in 2016, which eventually kept him out of action for two years. As far as the Indian T20 League is concerned, he went unsold during the auctions of 2018 and 2019.
Speaking of his discomfort, South Africa’s team manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee explained, "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.
