RCB is playing “bold” this season. RCB are currently in the 2nd position on the points table with 16 points from 11 games. They are just one win away from confirming their spot in the playoffs, and they also have the opportunity to finish in the top 2 in the table.
Josh Hazlewood
Josh Hazlewood has been a key factor for them this season. He took 18 wickets in 10 matches. He solved the death over problem for RCB by nailing those yorkers. He made this RCB bowling unit look different, and RCB started winning matches with bowling because of him.
He had a shoulder niggle, which ruled him out of their previous home game against CSK on 3rd May. After that, the BCCI imposed a one-week suspension of IPL games amidst the war tension between India and Pakistan. Now, the war has ended as a ceasefire has been announced. IPL games are set to resume from May 17 and will end on June 3rd.
World Test Championship Final between Australia and South Africa is scheduled on 11th June. This revised schedule of IPL made the participation of Australian and South African players doubtful. Especially Hazlewood, who is already recovering from a shoulder injury, may not come back for the rest of the IPL.
There is no official update on his injury and his return to IPL. He will be a great miss for RCB if he decides not to come for the remaining season. It’s tough to replace a player like him at the business end of the tournament.
Lungi Ngidi played instead of him against CSK, and he displayed a wonderful performance of 4-30-3. But he is not known for performing consistently like Hazlewood.
Replacement options
RCB has played 11 matches till now. They can opt for replacement before their 13th match. They can try Lungi Ngidi in the next match. They have a Sri Lankan pacer, Nuwan Tushara, in the bench. He is also known for his slingy action like Lasith Malinga.
They also have Indian options like Rashik Dhar, who is a promising youngster, performed well for DC last year. If they want to sign a new player, They have potential options in both Indian and foriegn pacers.
They can try and test their bench strength in the remaining 3 matches, as they got 16 points with a good run rate, and their remaining matches are with teams that are in the bottom of the table. Just one win will secure their spot in the top-4.
RCB’s remaining league matches :
- RCB vs KKR – 17th May at M. Chinnaswamy, Bangalore
- RCB vs SRH – 23rd May at M. Chinnaswamy, Bangalore
- RCB vs LSG – 27th May at Ekana stadium, Lucknow
Naveen-uL-Haq
He is an Afghanistan fast bowler who played for LSG before. He is known for his slower ones, off-cutters, and leg-cutters. He can swing the ball with the new ball, too. He became famous for his verbal fight with Virat during a match between LSG and RCB in 2023.
It would be interesting to see him donning the RCB jersey and playing along with Virat Kohli. He is also a committed and energetic player who shows character in tough matches. He will be a great addition on this side to carry the momentum of the team.
They also have other Indian options like Kartik Tyagi, Navdeep Saini, and Shivam Mavi.
Kyle Jamieson
He previously played for RCB in the 2021 season. He is a tall bowler who could generate bounce at a good pace. Would be a perfect apt replacement for Hazlewood. He is handy with the bat, too.
Loan
IPL has introduced a new rule of lending players from other teams. This rule is very popular among the football leagues. A team can lend a player from another team if the other team agrees to it. But the borrowed player cannot play against his home franchise.
RCB has already played 2 games against CSK. Nathan Ellis is warming the bench there. RCB can talk with the CSK management and lend Ellis for the remaining matches. Ellis performed well in the first match against MI at Chepauk. His slower ones would be effective in the death overs.
They can also talk with the Rajasthan Royals for Jofra Archer, whom they can call for the playoffs in the absence of Hazlewood. RR is already out of the playoff race. So, they can lend Jofra Archer to RCB in the playoffs.
RCB can experiment with their benched players in the next 3 league matches, and try to borrow a player for the playoffs.
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