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Dale Steyn Picks Yuzvendra Chahal as RCB's All-Time Top IPL Bowler

Former South Africa pacer Dale Steyn has ranked his top five all-time bowlers for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL. Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, the franchise's highest wicket-taker, was placed at the number one spot. The list includes Australian pacers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood at three and two, with Harshal Patel and legendary spinner Anil Kumble completing the top five. Steyn provided specific reasoning for each selection, focusing on stats like strike rate, economy, and match impact.

Key Points: Steyn's Top 5 RCB Bowlers: Chahal Leads, Kumble at 5

  • Chahal is RCB's all-time leading wicket-taker
  • Steyn praises Starc's economy and wicket-taking
  • Hazlewood's strike rate highlighted
  • Kumble's effectiveness at Chinnaswamy noted
2 min read

Chahal leads as Steyn reveals RCB's top five all-time bowlers

Dale Steyn reveals his top five RCB bowlers in IPL history. Yuzvendra Chahal tops the list, with Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Harshal Patel, and Anil Kumble.

Chahal leads as Steyn reveals RCB's top five all-time bowlers
"At No.1, it's Yuzi Chahal. He strikes every 17 balls... he's my No.1 - Dale Steyn"

New Delhi, April 10

Former South Africa pacer Dale Steyn has revealed his top five Royal Challengers Bengaluru bowlers of all time in the Indian Premier League, placing leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal at the top of the list.

Steyn, known for his sharp insights on the game, ranked former India captain Anil Kumble at No.5, praising the legendary spinner's effectiveness at the batting-friendly M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Kumble was the captain of RCB from 2009 to 2010. He played 51 matches for the team and took 51 wickets at an average of 24.58.

"At No.5, I've got Anil Kumble. Just as a spinner, bowling a lot at Chinnaswamy to do as well as he has, he makes my top five," Steyn told ESPNcricinfo.

At No.4, Steyn picked Harshal Patel for his wicket-taking ability and impact in matches. Patel is the second-highest wicket-taker for RCB in IPL history with 99 wickets to his name from just 80 matches. This also includes one five-wicket and two four-wicket hauls.

"Harshal Patel, the numbers tell me he's a wicket-taker. His economy rate is really good, and his influence in games, in terms of helping RCB win, is pretty big too," he added.

Australian left-arm quick Mitchell Starc was slotted at No.3, with Steyn lauding his ability to pick wickets consistently while maintaining an impressive economy rate. Starc played only 27 matches for RCB and took 34 wickets.

"You can't go very far without leaving this man out. Mitchell Starc - such a wicket-taker, fantastic economy, and an absolute gun when it comes to picking wickets," he said.

At No.2, Steyn chose Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood, underlining his remarkable strike rate. Hazlewood is currently with the RCB squad in IPL 2026. He has picked 45 wickets in just 27 matches for the franchise.

"Josh Hazlewood is an incredible bowler. A strike rate of 13 means basically every two overs he's taking a wicket. That's pretty magical," Steyn noted.

Topping the list was Chahal, RCB's leading wicket-taker in IPL history, with Steyn emphasising his consistency and match-winning ability. Chahal took 139 wickets in 113 matches for RCB at an impressive average of 22.03.

"At No.1, it's Yuzi Chahal. He strikes every 17 balls, his economy is around 7.6, and he's taken the most wickets - he's my No.1," Steyn said.

Meanwhile, RCB has not lost any match in the IPL 2026. They will face the Rajasthan Royals at Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati on Friday.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Interesting list from a fast bowler's perspective. I'm surprised Zaheer Khan isn't here? He was crucial in the early years. And where is Vinay Kumar? He took a lot of wickets for RCB too. Steyn's picks are great, but feels like a few homegrown Indian talents are missing.
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Priya S
Yuzi at the top, as he should be! 🇮🇳 His celebrations were iconic. But seeing Kumble at number 5 feels a bit disrespectful to a legend, no? He was the captain and carried the bowling in those tough early seasons. Still, Ee Sala Cup Namde! 🏆
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Rohit P
Harshal Patel at 4 is a solid pick. His 2021 purple cap season was pure magic. He won us so many matches single-handedly. Good to see Steyn recognizing his impact beyond just the numbers.
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Vikram M
Starc and Hazlewood are world class, but they played far fewer matches. The true legends are those who served the franchise for many seasons through ups and downs. Chahal and Harshal define that loyalty. Kumble should be higher for his leadership.
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Michael C
As a neutral fan, this is a great analysis. Steyn knows bowling. Chahal's consistency at Chinnaswamy, a ground where spinners usually get hammered, is phenomenal. That's why he's number one.

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