Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) announced Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani as the replacement for Lungi Ngidi for the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. RCB will be signing Muzarabani for Rs 75 lakh.
Ngidi, 29, left the franchise to join South Africa’s squad for the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia next month. He featured once for RCB this season, taking three crucial wickets against Chennai Super Kings on May 3, helping his team secure a narrow two-run victory.
Muzarabani, a 28-year-old fast bowler will be eligible for selection from May 26, just ahead of RCB’s last league game against the Lucknow Super Giants on May 27.
RCB took to social media to introduce their new recruit: “Standing at 6’8”, bowling from a higher trajectory — Muzarabani is truly a Blessing to have in the side. Pace, bounce, and that steep angle — make him hard to score off, and he’s adding all the skills to our attack!”
The team also confirmed that Ngidi will continue to be available for RCB’s next home game before departing for the WTC final.
The Zimbabwean speedster has an impressive T20 international record, having played 70 matches and taken 78 wickets. He also brings experience from 12 Test matches and 55 One Day Internationals (ODIs).
Meanwhile, RCB are currently without Josh Hazlewood, their highest wicket-taker this season, who is sidelined with a shoulder injury. The rest of the overseas contingent has returned to the squad after the recent break.
However, Jacob Bethell, another overseas player, is set to leave ahead of RCB’s penultimate league fixture to join his national team for the WTC. This means RCB will have to navigate their final games with some key players absent, making strategic adjustments crucial as they eye a strong finish to the season.
Ngidi, 29, left the franchise to join South Africa’s squad for the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia next month. He featured once for RCB this season, taking three crucial wickets against Chennai Super Kings on May 3, helping his team secure a narrow two-run victory.
Muzarabani, a 28-year-old fast bowler will be eligible for selection from May 26, just ahead of RCB’s last league game against the Lucknow Super Giants on May 27.
RCB took to social media to introduce their new recruit: “Standing at 6’8”, bowling from a higher trajectory — Muzarabani is truly a Blessing to have in the side. Pace, bounce, and that steep angle — make him hard to score off, and he’s adding all the skills to our attack!”
The team also confirmed that Ngidi will continue to be available for RCB’s next home game before departing for the WTC final.
The Zimbabwean speedster has an impressive T20 international record, having played 70 matches and taken 78 wickets. He also brings experience from 12 Test matches and 55 One Day Internationals (ODIs).
Meanwhile, RCB are currently without Josh Hazlewood, their highest wicket-taker this season, who is sidelined with a shoulder injury. The rest of the overseas contingent has returned to the squad after the recent break.
However, Jacob Bethell, another overseas player, is set to leave ahead of RCB’s penultimate league fixture to join his national team for the WTC. This means RCB will have to navigate their final games with some key players absent, making strategic adjustments crucial as they eye a strong finish to the season.
