Reason for Josh Hazlewood's Absence in RCB vs CSK IPL Match
Rewritten Article:
Josh Hazlewood Misses Out as RCB Takes on CSK in IPL 2025
In a surprising twist, Aussie seamer Josh Hazlewood didn't make it to Bengaluru's playing XI for their clash against Chennai Super Kings at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on May 3, 2025.
RCB, aiming to bolster their playoff chances, took a hit with pace spearhead Hazlewood sidelined for the crucial fixture. With captain Rajat Patidar leading the charge, RCB chose to bat first, although Patidar seemed to favor a defensive strategy, saying, "We would have fielded as well. But the wicket won't make much of a difference." He added, "We'll aim for a good total, keeping them under pressure. Everyone is in a good frame of mind, and I'm confident in my boys."
Stepping up to fill Hazlewood's shoes was Lungi Ngidi, who made his IPL comeback since May 2021. RCB snapped up the South African pacer for INR 1 crore in the mega auction.
While Patidar offered no comment on Hazlewood's absence, Harsha Bhogle hinted during the match that the quick was recovering from a shoulder niggle. Past injuries have dogged Hazlewood, including a hip issue that forced him out of the 2025 Champions Trophy and a calf strain that ended his Border-Gavaskar Trophy campaign. RCB is keeping their fingers crossed, hoping the shoulder issue isn't severe, given his crucial role this season: 18 wickets at an average of 17.27 and an economy of 8.44, making him the team's second-highest wicket-taker. His form has been instrumental in RCB's strong campaign (7 wins in 10 matches), propelling them to third place on the table.
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Is Hazlewood Injured?
Though an official report is yet to be released, commentary during the match points to a shoulder niggle. Early reports hinted at minor niggles or injuries, but their severity remains undisclosed. In the meantime, it seems that the team management is carefully managing Hazlewood's workload, given the tight playoff race.
Related tags:Cricket, IPL 2025, Josh Hazlewood, Lungi Ngidi, RCB, CSK, Injury, Ruled out, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Mega auction, Workload management.
- Despite missing the crucial clash against CSK due to a suspected shoulder niggle, Josh Hazlewood remains an essential player for RCB this season, with 18 wickets at an average of 17.27.
- RCB's strategy to bolster their playoff chances saw Lungi Ngidi step up in Hazlewood's absence, having joined the team in the mega auction.
- With Hazlewood's injury status still unclear, the team management is carefully managing his workload to ensure his full recovery and potential return to strengthen RCB's bowling attack in IPL 2025.
