Dale Steyn Names His Top Five RCB Bowlers of All Time, Puts Yuzvendra Chahal at No. 1
Former South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn has revealed his list of the top five Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) bowlers of all time in the Indian Premier League (IPL), highlighting a strong mix of Indian and overseas match-winners who have left a lasting impact at the franchise.
Steyn’s list, shared during a conversation with ESPNcricinfo, features some of the biggest names to have represented RCB over the years, with leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal taking the top spot. The list also includes legendary India spinner Anil Kumble, along with pacers Harshal Patel, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood.
No. 5 – Anil Kumble
At fifth place, Steyn picked former India captain Anil Kumble, praising his ability to succeed in challenging conditions at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, a venue known for being tough on bowlers.
“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 said.
Kumble led RCB between 2009 and 2010 and played 51 matches for the franchise, taking 51 wickets at an average of 24.58.
No. 4 – Harshal Patel
In fourth place, Steyn selected Indian pacer Harshal Patel, recognising his ability to pick up wickets consistently and influence matches for RCB in crucial moments.
“Harshal Patel, the numbers tell me he’s a wicket-taker. His economy rate is really good, and his influence in games… is pretty big too,” Steyn noted.
Harshal is among RCB’s most successful bowlers, with 99 wickets in 80 matches, including multiple four-wicket hauls and a five-wicket haul.
No. 3 – Mitchell Starc
Australian left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc was placed third on the list. Despite a relatively short stint with RCB, Steyn highlighted his impact and wicket-taking ability.
“You can’t go very far without leaving this man out. Mitchell Starc – such a wicket-taker, fantastic economy, and an absolute gun,” Steyn said.
Starc picked up 34 wickets in 27 matches for RCB, making a strong impression during his time with the franchise.
No. 2 – Josh Hazlewood
At number two, Steyn named current RCB pacer Josh Hazlewood, praising his exceptional strike rate and consistency.
“Josh Hazlewood is an incredible bowler. A strike rate of 13 means basically every two overs he’s taking a wicket,” Steyn explained.
Hazlewood has been a key part of RCB’s bowling attack in recent seasons, taking 45 wickets in just 27 matches.
No. 1 – Yuzvendra Chahal
Topping Steyn’s list is leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, RCB’s all-time leading wicket-taker in the IPL. Steyn emphasised Chahal’s consistency, control, and match-winning ability.
“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.
Chahal enjoyed a highly successful stint with RCB, claiming 139 wickets in 113 matches at an impressive average of 22.03.
A balanced legacy of RCB bowlers
Steyn’s list reflects RCB’s evolving bowling identity over the years, showcasing a blend of spin brilliance and pace firepower. From Kumble’s leadership to Chahal’s dominance and the impact of modern-day pacers like Hazlewood and Harshal Patel, the franchise has seen a wide range of match-winning bowlers.
As RCB continues to build on its recent successes, such all-time lists highlight the bowlers who have shaped the team’s journey in the IPL era.
