With the way RCB’s Josh Hazlewood had been bowling in IPL 2025, there was just no one, who could remove him from the playing XI. But on Saturday, in the RCB vs CSK encounter, in a strange turn of events, skipper Rajat Patidar announced that Hazlewood was left out and instead Lungi Ngidi was brought in.
NO Josh Hazlewood in RCB XI
Mind you, there were no injury concerns to the fast bowler. He has been team’s main bowler, picking up 18 wickets in 10 matches, at an average of 17 and an economy of 8.44. In fact, he has been one of the prime reasons, as to why RCB have been consistently in the top half of the points table in IPL 2025 and are certain to make the playoffs.
WTC Final from June 11
Having said that, the only reason why he is not playing the CSK encounter could be — that needs to take some rest, before the all important WTC final between Australia and South Africa, on June 11. Of course, there is no concrete proof behind this, but what really explains RCB abruptly getting rid of their prime bowler, and getting in a bowler, who is yet to play a match this season.
It must be admitted that in WTC Final, Hazlewood will play a big role in his team’s chances vs South Africa, and preserving him at this time, could be the best decision that could be made.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Playing XI): Jacob Bethell, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar(c), Jitesh Sharma(w), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Lungi Ngidi, Yash Dayal.
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