During the 42nd match of the ongoing 12th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kings XI Punjab at the M. Chinnaswamy stadium in Bengaluru, the inform fast bowler Dale Steyn wasn’t picked in the playing XI by the hosts.
Been a game-changer for RCB with the new ball since his arrival in the IPL 2019, there was not even an iota of doubt that Steyn will be missed in front of his home crowd. Steyn’s average of 17.25 and a strike rate of 12 in a couple of matches has fared well for the Royal Challengers.
Speaking during the toss, RCB skipper Virat Kohli revealed the reason behind not including the veteran fast bowler. “After six losses, we’re just thinking about enjoying our game. And that’s what we’re going to do here too. It’s the other teams that have to worry about the playoffs. Dale Steyn has a shoulder niggle,” Kohli was quoted as saying.
“Lost eight out of 11 tosses now. Not really focussing on these things too much. Last game also we lost the toss, looked like we’d lose the game too, but we came out on top. No team wants to play against a team that has already lost six in a row. Cause we have nothing to lose and we’re on a roll,” Kohli added.
Southee replaced Steyn
In Steyn’s absence, RCB recalled Tim Southee into the final. In the two matches which the Kiwi pacer has played in the ongoing IPL, he picked only one wicket at an average of 85, an economy rate of 14.16 and a strike rate of 36.
🔴The Red A♛rmy also included right-arm off-spinner Washington Sundar in place of left-armer Pawan Negi.
So comes into the squad! Give it all you've got, Washi!! Southee comes in to replace who's out with a shoulder niggle.
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets)
