South Africa paceman Dale Steyn — who returned to the Indian Premier League after two years — sat out in the clash against Kings XI Punjab at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Wednesday.
The injury-prone pacer picked up a niggle after a grand start to the season last week for Royal Challengers Bangalore. Steyn picked up four wickets in two games [against Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings].
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With the World Cup round the corner, it is understood that Steyn is not willing to risk his body.
“Last game also we lost the toss but we won. Looking for a solid performance tonight. No team wants to lose six games in a row. We aren’t thinking of playoffs. We are thinking of playing fearless cricket. Proud of the spirit the guys are playing with. Two changes for us. Steyn has a niggle, so Southee comes in. Negi sits out, Washington Sundar comes in,” Virat Kohli confirmed the development at the toss.
The 35-year-old Steyn went unsold in the 2018 and 2019 auctions. He last played for the now-defunct Gujarat Lions in 2016.
Steyn's return to the tournament also united him with former team-mate AB de Villiers.
The shoulder injury picked up in Perth against Australia in 2016 kept him out of action for two years.
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