Virat Kohli’s struggling Royal Challengers Bangalore squad is getting a boost in the form of Dale Steyn who has joined the IPL franchise as an injury replacement.
The 35-year-old pacer flew down to India today and will take injured fast bowler Nathan Coulter-Nile’s spot in the squad. The Aussie pacer has sat out of all matches this season and is struggling with a stiff back.
Bangalore have struggled terribly this season, losing all six of their games so far. Steyn’s entry is something that could be the boost the team needs to get their campaign on track, or at least, off the mark.
Steyn is an RCB veteran after starting his IPL career with the franchise. He played 28 games for the team between 2008 to 2010, picking 27 wickets before moving to Deccan Chargers in 2011.
This however will also be Steyn’s first IPL season in three years after he last made an appearance for the Gujarat Lions in IPL 2016. He was then forced to pull out of the 2017 IPL auction because of a career-threatening shoulder injury and then went unsold in the 2018 and 2019 auctions.
Royal Challengers will hope that the South African can provide some inspiration to the side. There has been a huge debate around captain Kohli’s decision making with former cricketers, including Gautam Gambhir, criticising the Indian captain for his tactics and on-field calls.
Bangalore next face Kings XI Punjab on April 13 in Mohali.
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