New Delhi, April 10 – Former South African fast bowler Dale Steyn has revealed his top five all-time Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) bowlers in the Indian Premier League (IPL), placing leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal at the top of the list.
Steyn, known for his insightful analysis of the game, ranked former India captain Anil Kumble at No. 5, praising Kumble’s effectiveness at the batting-friendly M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Kumble captained 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. As a spinner, his ability to bowl consistently at Chinnaswamy and perform well makes him a key member of 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 from 80 matches. This also includes one five-wicket and two four-wicket hauls.
"Harshal Patel, the numbers show he's a wicket-taker. His economy rate is very good, and his influence in games, in terms of helping RCB win, is also significant," he added.
Australian left-arm quick Mitchell Starc was placed at No. 3, with Steyn praising his ability to consistently pick wickets while maintaining an impressive economy rate. Starc played only 27 matches for RCB and took 34 wickets.
"You can't ignore him. Mitchell Starc – such a wicket-taker, fantastic economy rate, and an absolute star when it comes to picking wickets," he said.
At No. 2, Steyn chose Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood, highlighting his remarkable strike rate. Hazlewood is currently with the RCB squad in IPL 2026. He has taken 45 wickets in just 27 matches for the franchise.
"Josh Hazlewood is an incredible bowler. A strike rate of 13 essentially means he's taking a wicket every two overs. That's pretty remarkable," Steyn noted.
At the top of 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's consistent, his economy rate 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 IPL 2026. They will face Rajasthan Royals at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati on Friday.