RCB sign Dale Steyn as replacement for injured Coulter-Nile

Dale Steyn played for RCB between 2008 and 2010 © Getty

Royal Challengers Bangalore have roped in South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn as replacement for Nathan Coulter-Nile, who has opted out of the remainder of the tournament with a back niggle.

The 35-year-old went unsold at the auction but will now be available to play an IPL game after a two-year gap. He last played in the league for Gujarat Lions in IPL 2016.

Steyn was snapped up by RCB ahead of the inaugural season of the IPL in 2008 and stayed with the franchise until 2010, taking 27 wickets from 28 games. He will now be tasked with reviving the fortunes of the side whose chances of making the playoffs is fading quickly, as they've lost each of their first six games in the season. RCB next play Kings XI Punjab on April 13.

Meanwhile, Coulter-Nile's absence is a hammer blow for the franchise hoping to use the tall pacer to address their perennial concerns with death bowling. Coulter-Nile missed the whole of IPL 2018 with injury and missed the start of this season's campaign because of national-team commitments. That series against Pakistan ended on March 29 but Coulter-Nile returned to Australia due to 'personal reasons' and was scheduled to join up with RCB only on April 13.

The team management has confirmed that Steyn will only be available from April 16, which means he will not feature in RCB's next two fixtures - against KXIP on April 13 and MI on April 15.