South African fast bowler Dale Steyn was ruled out of the Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Indian Premier League fixture against the Kings XI Punjab on Wednesday.

A shoulder injury prevented Steyn from participating in the key clash at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

He has taken four wickets in two matches since belatedly joining Bangalore as a replacement for the injured Nathan Coulter-Nile in mid-April.

The 35-year-old has the most wickets among South African bowlers in the 12-year history of the IPL. Steyn, who has also represented the Deccan Chargers, Gujarat Lions and Sunrisers Hyderabad, boasts 96 wickets in 92 IPL matches.

Former Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Daredevils, Rising Pune Supergiants and Royal Challengers Bangalore seamer Albie Morkel is a relatively close second with 85 in 91.

Earlier this month, Steyn was named in the Proteas’ squad for the 2019 World Cup in the United Kingdom. South Africa and co-hosts England will open the tournament at The Oval in London on 30 May.

Captain Faf du Plessis, fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, leg-spinner Imran Tahir and wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock, who have all been named in the World Cup squad, are presently involved in the IPL.

‘We’re led by Faf, who’s been in fantastic form lately. And in the IPL, Tahir has been right up there in terms of wickets. From Quinton all the way down to number 11, they’re all match-winners,’ said Steyn recently.

‘We just need to go there and hope a bit of luck – weather, a missed no-ball – goes your way, and you could win the tournament.

‘You look at Rabada, he’s been bowling exceptionally well. Kagiso is a wunderkind. Just hope he continues that kind of form. He’s come on to the scene in international cricket and grabbed the opportunity with both hands.

‘We’ve seen players come in, show signs of extreme excellence and then fade away, but KG is someone we can get used to.’

Photo: SPORTZPICS for BCCI | Ron Gaunt