The Australia pacer Josh Hazlewood who joined the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for INR 12.50 crores after a bidding war in the IPL 2025 auction has sustained a low-grade strain during the Border Gavaskar Trophy.
He has been in and out of the team during the five-match test series against Australia and has been included in Australia’s squad for the Champions Trophy 2025.
The 33-year-old bowler has played 27 matches in the IPL after making his debut in the 2020 season and has picked 35 wickets with an average of 23.14.
However, the RCB has invested a lot in an injury-prone bowler and may have to be prepared for that during the course of the IPL. Since being the key bowler for Australia in Tests, Hazlewood will likely leave the RCB camp to prepare for the WTC final.
If he skips the IPL 2025 playoffs, Bhuvneshwar Kumar will lead RCB’s bowling attack alongside Yash Dayal and Lungi Ngidi.
If the player set to leave the RCB campaign early, the franchise will look for a suitable replacement for the remaining season. Listed below are the some of the players who could possibly replace Josh Hazlewood in IPL 2025.
Mustafizur Rahman (Bangladesh)
The left arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman could be an reliable option for the RCB. Despite being a star performer, Mustafizure Rahman did not find a team in the IPL as he went unsold during the 2025 auction.
Rahman has played 57 IPL matches and picked 61 wickets with an average of 28.99. Known for his slower balls and death over expertise, Rahman could be handy for the Bengaluru franchise to bring quality to bowling department in the absence of Hazlewood.
Gus Atkinson (England)
The 26 year old Atkinson has impressed with with pace and accuracy in white-ball cricket and his inclusion in the RCB’s bowling attack could bring in variety. Yet to make his IPL debut, he could prove to be handy when it comes to bring in variations.
The franchise could have him as a better replacement for the Australian pacer in the lineup.
Naveen Ul Haq (Afghanistan)
Naveen ul Haq had a decent outing with LSG in the IPL 2024 but has been went unsold during the auction. He made a crucial role in Afghanistan’s first ever semi finals in the T20 World Cup last year.
Playing 18 IPL matches, Naveen has picked 25 wickets and could be an interesting pick for RCB and could add value to the bowling unit.
Also Read: IPL 2025 RCB Jersey, Sponsors, Buy Link with Price Details
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