After going unsold in the last two auctions, Dale Steyn is set to return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) as a replacement for Royal Challengers Bangalore’s injured pacer Nathan Coulter-Nile.

Steyn last played in the IPL in the 2016 edition with the now defunct Gujarat Lions although the pacer made only appearance over the course of that season. The South African ace pulled out of the 2017 edition subsequently after fracturing his shoulder in a series against Australia.

Steyn had put his hat in the IPL auction ring in 2018 and 2019 but went unsold both the times. Now, the 35-year-old is set to return to the franchise he played for between 2008 and 2010 with Coulter-Nile suffering from a stiff back.

The Australia pacer has not featured at all for RCB in the ongoing 2019 edition since returning from international duty with Steyn now set to take his place for the remainder of the season.

The Proteas ace had previously picked up 27 wickets in 28 appearances for Bangalore and he will now hope to revive the flailing fortunes of the franchise in 2019.

Virat Kohli and his men are stuck at the bottom of the league table after tasting defeats in all of their six games so far. Steyn is reportedly set to join the RCB squad on April 16, meaning he will not be available for the side’s upcoming fixtures against Kings XI Punjab on April 13 and against Mumbai Indians two days later.

The South African veteran pacer is expected to be available for Bangalore’s clash against Kolkata Knight Riders on April 19. Overall in the IPL, the pacer has claimed 92 scalps in 90 appearances with an economy-rate of just 6.72.

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