Former South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn has named his all-time top five Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) wicket-takers in the Indian Premier League, putting leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal at the very top. Steyn, celebrated for his sharp cricketing judgement, ranked former India captain Anil Kumble at No. 5 and highlighted how the veteran spinner made life difficult for batters at the batting-friendly M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Kumble captained RCB between 2009 and 2010, featuring in 51 matches for the franchise while collecting 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 said.
Moving to No. 4, Steyn selected Harshal Patel, pointing to the pacer’s ability to take wickets and his impact in crucial match moments. Patel sits as RCB’s second-highest wicket-taker in IPL history, having claimed 99 wickets from only 80 games. That tally also includes one five-wicket haul and two instances of taking four wickets in an innings. “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,” Steyn added.
Australian left-arm quick Mitchell Starc was placed at No. 3. Steyn praised him for consistently claiming wickets while keeping an eye on his economy rate. Starc played 27 matches for RCB and took 34 wickets during his stint. “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,” Steyn said.
At No. 2, Steyn turned to Josh Hazlewood, stressing the pace bowler’s strike-rate numbers. Hazlewood is part of the RCB group for IPL 2026, and he has already taken 45 wickets in 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.
Chahal then took the top spot in Steyn’s list, with the former South Africa quick underlining the leg-spinner’s consistency and ability to swing results. Chahal has been RCB’s leading wicket-taker in IPL history, grabbing 139 wickets across 113 matches at an 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.
In the current IPL 2026 campaign, RCB have not lost a match. They are set to play the Rajasthan Royals at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati on Friday.
